1. Genu Varum
The medical term for bowlegs is genu varum. Genu refers to the knee, such as when we "genuflect" or bend a knee to the floor in respect. Think of a knight being knighted by a queen. Varum refers to varus, or bowing away from the midline of the body. Put together, genu varum refers to bowlegged-ness. Genu varum refers to the entire leg being bowed. If there is an abrupt bend right below the knee, this may represent other, more severe diseases, such as Blount's disease (tibia vara).
2. Bowlegs Are Normal Until a Certain Age
It is normal for babies to come out bowlegged--the way they are situated inside the womb makes them that way. The remain bowlegged until approximately 18 months of age, when the body begins to straighten out the legs. This process is usually completed by about three years of age. The typical adult is actually slightly knock-kneed (genu valgum) by about five to seven degrees. If the toddler's legs are still bowlegged after three years of age, or if the condition is worsening, seek medical attention.
3. Causes
Again, most cases of bowlegs will straighten themselves out (literally) with time. Blount's disease is a condition affecting the growth plate on the upper end of the shin bone. Rickets is another condition causing bowlegs, where there is either not enough vitamin D intake, or the body lacks enzymes to properly use the vitamin D that the body receives. Other conditions that cause bowlegs include infections or skeletal tumors that affect bone growth. Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) can cause multiple fractures that eventually cause the bones to bow.
4. Braces
If the condition is caught early enough, sometimes a brace can cause the bones to grow straight. This usually has to occur while the body still has growth potential and can remodel or realign itself. However, later on, surgery is usually required. Possible treatment options include breaking the bone to realign it (osteotomy) or slowing down the uneven growth at the growth plate (epiphyseodesis).
5. Arthritis
Bowlegs cause more pressure to be put on the medial (towards other knee) compartment of the knee joint. This can lead to premature arthritis in that part of the knee, as early as the thirties or forties. The alteration in limb alignment can also cause problems at the hip and ankle.
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