How to correct O-shaped legs

Generally, O-shaped legs (also known as genu valgum) are a leg deformity characterized by outward knee angulation accompanied by mild outward turning of the feet. O-shaped legs may be caused by incorrect posture and habits, muscle strength imbalances, uneven growth and development, epiphyseal injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, and other factors. Correction methods include postural correction, exercise therapy, nutritional intervention, physical orthotics, and medication. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes and treatments are as follows:

1. Incorrect Posture and Habits

Prolonged W-sitting, standing or walking with inward-pointing feet (pigeon-toed gait), and other improper postures and habits can pull bones into abnormal alignment, leading to O-shaped legs. Postural correction involves adjusting daily sitting, standing, and walking postures to avoid prolonged incorrect positions, thereby reducing stress on leg bones and joints.

2. Muscle Strength Imbalance

Imbalanced strength in the inner and outer thigh muscles or front and back calf muscles can cause certain muscles to become overly tight or weak, pulling bones out of alignment and resulting in O-shaped legs. Exercise-based correction uses targeted physical activities such as yoga, Pilates, and leg stretching exercises to strengthen leg muscles, improve flexibility, and realign bones and joints in the lower limbs.

3. Uneven Growth and Development

Differences in the rate or direction of lower limb bone growth during development can lead to outward deformities in the lower leg. Nutritional correction involves adjusting dietary habits and ensuring adequate intake of nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D to support healthy bone development and improve O-shaped leg alignment.

4. Epiphyseal Injury

Injuries to the growth plates during childhood—such as fractures or epiphyseal separation—can disrupt normal bone development, causing uneven growth and ultimately leading to O-shaped legs. Physical correction methods involve using specialized braces or orthotic shoe inserts that apply external forces to gradually adjust the position of leg bones and joints.

5. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Long-term exposure to damp environments may contribute to rheumatoid arthritis. The chronic inflammation damages joint cartilage and ligaments, compromising joint stability and potentially leading to O-shaped legs. Symptoms may include fever, swelling, pain, and restricted movement. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as methotrexate tablets, leflunomide tablets, and sulfasalazine colon-soluble capsules.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and actively engage in suitable physical activities like yoga and Pilates to enhance leg muscle strength and flexibility. Attention should also be paid consistently to sitting, standing, and walking postures to maintain proper body alignment.