Learning how to correct bow legs without surgery is something a lot of people are interested in.
Also known as genu varum, bow legs is a very common lower leg disorder that affects millions of people around the world.
Unlike knock knees where your knees curve inward, a person with bowlegs will notice their knees curve outward while their ankles stay together.
People who are bowlegged will often complain about the discomfort and pain they feel in their ankles or knees.
Other than symptoms such as chronic pain, most people who have bow legs want to correct this problem due to the embarrassment it causes them.
There’s no doubt that the sight of bow legs can make some self-conscious about their appearance.
What Causes Bow Legs
There are a number of different things that can cause bow legs to occur.
Some of the most common causes of bowlegs include:
- Obesity – Even though this isn’t a direct cause, people with bow legs will often experience the problem getting worse due to the extra weight being placed on their knees due to obesity.
- Arthritis – Arthritis is another common cause of bow legs because of the deterioration in the knee joints.
- Injury – Any type of injury around the knees can cause bow legs in some individuals.
Of course, there are a number of other causes of bow legs.
When it comes to children under the age of 7, bow legs are a common occurence.
In fact, children between 2 and 7 years old are expected to have some level of bowleggedness as a part of their normal growth phase.
However, if the child’s bow legs doesn’t correct itself by the time they reach 7 or 8 years old there may be an underlying cause that needs to be corrected.
How To Fix Bow Legs Without Surgery
Most people with bow legs are told that the only way to correct bow legs is to undergo surgery.
Even though surgery like osteotomy is an effective way to correct bow legs, there are other less invasive ways to fix bow legs.
If you want to learn how to correct bow legs without surgery you should definitely consider doing certain exercises.
Bow Leg Exercises
There are a number of different bow leg exercises you can begin doing to fix genu varum.
However, in order for these exercises to work you’re going to have to stay consistent with it.
Also, don’t expect any fast results as these exercises will take some time to really produce the results you want.
If you are ready to stay committed to doing these exercises check out a couple of the best exercises you can begin doing today to correct bow legs.
Step-Ups
Step-ups are one of the best bow leg exercises you can begin doing today to improve your lower leg deformity because it strengthens the muscles in your legs that will help them return to their natural straight position.
To do step-ups properly you’ll need to do the following:
- Begin by placing your right foot on a step or chair and then push through with your right heel. As you press through with your right foot make sure you bring your left foot all the way up.
- Now, step down with the right foot to return to the starting position with both feet on the ground.
- Do about 10 reps of this with your right foot leading, and then switch and do 10 reps with your left foot leading.
Do about 3 sets of this basic step-up exercise each day for the best results.
Standing Banded Adduction
Another great exercise for bow legs is the standing banded adduction.
This exercise is great way to correct bow legs without surgery because it helps make your inner thigh muscles stronger.
Your adductor muscles play a big role in keeping the outward curve around your knees in check.
To do this adductor exercise properly do the following below:
- Begin by placing a resistance band around something firm attached to the ground.
- Now, stand right next to the firm foundation your resistance band is attached to and place the band around your foot.
- Let the band pull your leg to the side while you resist the movement.
Start doing the exercise by standing up straight and pulling the banded leg upwards to your body. You’ll know you’re doing this exercise right when you feel the stretch in your adductors.
Now, gradually release your leg back to the starting position.
Switch to the opposite leg and repeat for about 10 reps, and 2 to 3 sets.
Conclusion
For those who want to know how to fix bow legs without surgery these exercises should definitely help.
The key to getting the most out of these exercises is to stay consistent.
