Bowlegs and knock-knees are malalignments of the knees. The knees of those affected are either too close together or too far apart. This is not just a visual flaw. Those affected complain of painful knee joints and are more prone to osteoarthritis.
Here you will find further information and selected doctors who treat knock knees and bow legs.
Bowlegs and knock-knees (ICD code for both conditions: Q74.15) are knee deformities.
X-legs are also called genu valgum or valgus position. In knock-knees, the angle of the lower leg to the center of the body is more than 185°. This phenomenon is also known as bowing .
In people with bow legs(genu varum), on the other hand, the legs are wide apart at knee level. This means that the knees do not touch even when the legs are closed.
Comparison of knock knees and bow legs with a normal, healthy leg position © Double Brain / Fotolia
Both knock knees and bow legs are rarely congenital. The deformities usually occur in childhood, often as a result of a vitamin D deficiency (rickets) in infancy. The body produces the vitamin D required for healthy bone growth itself. A deficiency can be caused by a congenital disorder or as a result of too little sunlight.
Without enough vitamin D, the bones do not become hard enough. They cannot support the growing weight of those affected, so that bow legs or knock-knees develop over the years.
The deformities first become apparent between the ages of one and five.
In addition, knock knees and bow legs can be the result of bowed or flat feet. In this case, the feet are at an angle to the knees. The misalignment of the feet therefore causes an additional misalignment of the knee joints in the long term.
In adults, knock knees and bow legs occur almost exclusively after an accident. Another cause is sitting in a certain position for many years. A typical example of this is the jockey, who develops clearly visible bow legs due to frequent sitting on the horse.
Other, but rather rare, causes of malalignment of the knee joints are
X-legs and bow legs are generally regarded as a cosmetic defect. However, those affected also suffer from pain in the joints. The pain can intensify in cold, wet weather or when the weather changes.
In addition, there are postural problems that have a negative impact on other joints (such as the hip joint). The uneven load on the joint structures wears down cartilage, bones and menisci disproportionately. This increases the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee joint (known as gonarthrosis) or meniscus damage.
In children, growth is also often impaired.
X-legs and bow legs are not always obvious at first glance. Especially if the deformity is not yet very pronounced, the gait is often completely inconspicuous. All the more reason to have children regularly examined by a doctor so that action can be taken at an early stage.
The doctor can take various measurements and confirm the diagnosis with an X-ray.
It is advisable to check children for any deformities as early as possible. Take your child to the pediatrician for regular check-ups.
Initially, the deformities are usually only observed, as spontaneous deformities are quite possible. In many cases
help.
If these measures are not sufficient, surgery may be considered - but only towards the end of the growth phase.
Correcting the misalignment is important in order to avoid long-term damage to the joints, which can be associated with lifelong knee pain. Without therapy, the joints will be permanently subjected to incorrect loads. This increases the risk of developing severe osteoarthritis at an early age - from the age of 30.
Leg axis training (special gymnastics exercises) can help to prevent the deformity from worsening. They also help to reduce pain and other impairments.
These exercises must be supervised by an experienced physiotherapist. However, the patient is usually also given instructions for exercises that they can do at home.
Typical exercises for leg axis training are, for example, special squats. These pay more attention to the position of the legs and help to strengthen the thigh muscles in particular.
The one-leg stand is also an easy way to develop
and balance. You can vary the one-leg stand - for example by using a soft surface. It is best to perform the exercises in front of a mirror for self-monitoring.
Another option for treating knock knees and bow legs is orthoses. These are used in particular for adults who have failed to correct the deformity at an early stage.
An orthosis cannot eliminate the deformity. However, it can significantly reduce the pain by effectively supporting and strengthening the leg at the same time. Without an orthosis, however, there is a risk that the deformity will continue to worsen.
The following therefore applies: get malpositions treated early! The earlier knock-knees and bow legs are treated, the better the chances of a largely pain-free and symptom-free life.
Parents should therefore have their children examined regularly.
Orthoses can significantly reduce the negative effects of knee malalignment in adults.
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