How to correct bowed legs
Sep 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, bowed legs may be caused by factors such as genetics, improper exercise, obesity, poor development, or rickets. Correction methods include physical exercise, wearing orthotic devices, thigh liposuction, osteotomy, and joint replacement surgery. It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.
Generally, bowed legs or misaligned leg posture may be caused by factors such as genetics, improper exercise, obesity, poor development, rickets, among others. Corrective methods include wearing orthotics, physical exercise, thigh liposuction, osteotomy, and joint replacement surgery. It is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and undergo treatment under the guidance of a professional physician. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Genetics
Bowed legs may also result from genetic inheritance. If older family members have a history of O-shaped (bow-legged) or X-shaped (knock-knee) legs, it may increase the likelihood of similar leg shapes in offspring. For misalignment due to heredity, customized orthotic devices such as orthopedic shoe inserts or braces can be worn to adjust leg posture.
2. Improper Exercise
Lack of balanced training for the lower limbs over a long period may lead to muscle imbalance—where one side of the leg muscles becomes overly developed while the other remains relatively weak—resulting in leg misalignment. Regular balance exercises should be performed to enhance body stability and help correct muscular imbalances in the legs.
3. Obesity
Excessive body weight increases stress on leg bones and muscles. Over time, this may cause bone deformation and muscle imbalance, leading to misaligned legs. Daily management includes controlling diet and increasing physical activity to lose weight and reduce strain on the legs. If no improvement occurs, thigh liposuction may be considered under medical advice. This procedure removes excess fat from the thighs to reduce fat accumulation and improve leg contour. The reference cost is generally 4,000–8,000 yuan per session, with results typically visible within 15–30 days. However, potential complications may include infection or bleeding.
4. Poor Development
During growth and development, prolonged calcium deficiency may impair bone development. Combined with failure to correct bad postures—such as crossing legs—it may affect normal development of leg bones and muscles, resulting in leg misalignment. Adequate calcium intake should be ensured in daily life to support healthy bone development. If symptoms persist, osteotomy may be recommended under professional supervision. This surgical procedure adjusts the direction, length, or alignment of bones to correct skeletal deformities and improve leg straightness. The reference cost is generally 20,000–30,000 yuan per operation, with improvement usually seen within 1–3 months. Possible complications include joint stiffness or nerve damage.
5. Rickets
Vitamin D deficiency impairs calcium absorption, leading to poor bone development and causing rickets. This may disrupt calcium and phosphorus metabolism, resulting in bent or deformed bones and misaligned legs. It is advisable to supplement vitamin D regularly. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be recommended under a doctor's guidance. This involves removing damaged joint surfaces and implanting an artificial prosthesis to correct leg misalignment. The reference cost is generally 8,000–12,000 yuan per procedure, with improvement typically observed within 1–3 months. Possible side effects include limb swelling or local infection.
In daily life, to prevent leg misalignment, it is recommended to avoid poor sitting postures and incorrect exercise habits, and to engage in appropriate balance training to improve leg alignment.
