Understanding Genu Varum: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Genu Varum

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Bow legs - Acquired Genu Varum

General

An individual with bow legs or genu varum has the knees bent outward and the feet and ankles touching. It is common for infants and toddlers to have bow legs. It happens to older kids as well.

7 people with Genu Varum

Learn from others who are experiencing Genu Varum.

Signs & symptoms

A child with bow legs is usually not bothered by the condition since it does not cause pain or discomfort. An awkward walking pattern or the appearance of the child's legs may worry parents. However, bow legs do not affect a child's ability to crawl, walk, or run. It is common for children with bow legs to walk with their toes pointed inward (called intoeing, or pigeon-toes) or to trip a lot and appear clumsy. As the child grows, these problems usually resolve themselves. During the teenage years, the condition may cause discomfort in the ankles, knees, and hips.

Diagnosis

Doctors examine children and ask about their medical history. If the child is younger than 2 years old, feels well, and both legs are bowed to the same degree, no tests are likely to be done. As the child grows, they will watch to see if the bow legs improve. In order to check for Blount disease or rickets, an X-ray might be necessary.

Treatment

Bow legs that are physiologic do not require treatment. As the child grows, the problem usually resolves itself. Blount disease may require a brace or surgery for a child. Vitamin D and calcium are usually added to the diet in order to treat rickets. An endocrinologist may be required for rickets caused by a genetic condition

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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