Bow legs

Bow legs, also known as genu valgum, is the term for a leg alignment abnormality in which the legs are positioned in an X-shape. The knees tilt inwards so that they form an X-shape, as it were. This is very often accompanied by an abnormality in foot position, such as fallen arches.

Young children aged 2 to 6 years naturally have bow legs. This condition usually corrects itself by the age of 6. If this does not happen, or does not happen quickly enough, treatment may be necessary.

Bow legs can be recognised by the knees bending inwards and the feet turning inwards. A ‘normal bow-legged stance’ does not cause any symptoms. The misalignment of the legs causes increased tension on the tendons and muscles on the inside of the foot and knees. This tension develops gradually, which means that symptoms may not appear until later. The most common symptoms are:

• Pain in the feet and legs
• Growing pains
• Falling/tripping over quickly
• Difficulty walking long distances or running

Children over the age of 6–7 with bow legs combined with a significant misalignment of the feet, such as flat feet, or who have symptoms, are eligible for podiatry treatment. In all other cases, podiatry is not required. The podiatrist will first assess whether the alignment of the legs is ‘normal’. They will then examine the gait pattern and the alignment of the feet, knees and hips in relation to one another. If the abnormal leg alignment is caused or exacerbated by the foot position, podiatric insoles can be made.

The expected outcome is that there will be a more even distribution of load on the joints of the lower limbs. A permanent correction of the alignment of the feet and legs depends heavily on the individual patient and should be assessed at every check-up.