Understanding Bowlegs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Being bowlegged, or bow-legged (genu varum), means that when you stand with your feet and ankles together, your knees stay apart and the legs curve outward. In babies and toddlers this bowing of the legs is usually normal and straightens on its own as they grow. When bowed legs last past early childhood, get worse, affect one leg more than the other, or show up in an adult with knee pain, it is worth having the legs looked at by your doctor or by one of us at POA.

What Are Bowlegs?

Bowlegs, known medically as genu varum, is a condition where the legs curve outward at the knees while the ankles stay together. It's common in infants because of how they were positioned in the womb, and in most cases the legs straighten naturally as the child grows and begins to walk. If the bowing lasts beyond early childhood or shows up later in life, it may point to an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

Bowlegs can affect posture and the way a person walks (gait), and over time that can mean joint misalignment and added stress. The degree of bowing ranges from mild to severe, and how much it affects daily activities depends on the underlying cause and on a person's individual anatomy.

What Does It Feel Like to Have Bowlegs?

Individuals may experience these bowleg symptoms:

The severity of symptoms varies, with some individuals experiencing minimal discomfort, while others may have significant pain and difficulty moving.

What Causes Bowlegs?

Several factors and conditions can contribute to bowlegs, including:

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When to Seek Treatment for Bowlegs

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While mild bowing in young children often corrects itself, medical evaluation is necessary if:

• The bowing persists beyond age 3
• One leg is more bowed than the other
• The condition worsens over time
• There is pain, instability, or difficulty walking
• An underlying disease is suspected
• The bowing is accompanied by other developmental delays or bone abnormalities

Early intervention matters in cases linked to nutritional deficiencies or growth disorders, because timely treatment can improve outcomes. If any of the above sounds like your child, have them seen by your pediatrician or contact us at POA.

If you are an adult dealing with bowlegs, you should consider seeking treatment if you experience:

• Pain or discomfort in the knees, hips, or ankles.
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods.
• Worsening bowing or noticeable asymmetry.
• Frequent joint stiffness or instability.
• Early signs of arthritis, such as swelling or reduced mobility.

If bowleggedness is getting in the way of daily activities or causing joint damage, see a doctor or an orthopaedic specialist for an evaluation and a look at options such as physical therapy, braces, or surgery if it comes to that.

Why Treat Bowlegs?

Untreated bowlegs can lead to complications, including:

• Increased risk of arthritis, particularly in the knees and hips, due to uneven joint stress
• Gait abnormalities affecting posture and movement efficiency
• Lower back pain from altered spinal alignment
• Joint instability, making physical activities more challenging
• Increased risk of injury, particularly in athletes and active individuals
• Muscle imbalances, as the body compensates for misalignment
• Diminished quality of life, as chronic pain and mobility issues impact daily activities

How Are Bowed Legs Diagnosed?

A visit usually starts with a conversation about when the bowing was first noticed, whether it is changing, and what activities bring on pain. We then watch how you or your child stands and walks, look at the gap between the knees with the ankles together, and compare one leg to the other.

Imaging fills in the rest. A standing X-ray that takes in the hip, knee and ankle shows how the leg lines up and where the bowing is coming from, the thigh bone (femur) or the shin bone (tibia). If a nutritional or metabolic cause such as rickets is suspected, blood work may be ordered as well.

Knowing the cause and the exact location of the bowing is what shapes the plan, whether that is watchful waiting in a young child, therapy and activity changes in an adult, or surgery. If you would like your legs or your child's legs assessed, talk to your doctor or contact us at POA.

Treatment Options for Bowlegs

The appropriate treatment for bowlegs is individual and depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Bowlegs

• Bracing or Orthotics – Used in children to guide proper bone growth and support alignment correction.
• Physical Therapy – Strengthening muscles, improving posture, and enhancing mobility to alleviate discomfort and prevent progression.
• Nutritional Supplements – Correcting deficiencies in vitamin D or calcium for cases related to rickets, often combined with diet modifications.
• Weight Management – Reducing excess body weight to minimize joint stress and prevent the worsening of the condition.
• Low-Impact Exercises – Activities such as swimming or cycling can help strengthen leg muscles without excessive joint strain.

Surgical Treatment for Bowlegs

For severe cases, especially in teenagers and adults, surgery may be necessary. Osteotomy is the most common procedure, which involves:

1. Making an incision near the knee.
2. Cutting and realigning the tibia (or femur, in some cases) to correct the bowing.
3. Inserting bone grafts and securing the bone with plates, screws, or external fixators.
4. Undergoing physical therapy post-surgery to restore mobility and prevent stiffness.

Recovery from an osteotomy can take 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Patients typically use crutches or a brace at first and return to normal activities gradually.

Common Questions About Bow Legs

At what age do bow legs straighten on their own?

Physiological bowing, the common kind seen in babies and toddlers, usually improves once a child has been walking for a while and settles by about age 3 to 4. If the bowing is still obvious after that, is getting worse, or affects one leg more than the other, have your child seen by your pediatrician or contact us at POA.

Can bowed legs be corrected in adults?

Bracing works by guiding growing bone, so it is used in children rather than adults. In adults, care usually starts with the conservative options above, physical therapy, weight management and low-impact activity, and osteotomy surgery is considered when the bowing is severe or the knee is wearing unevenly. Which path makes sense for you is a conversation to have with your doctor or with us at POA.

Do exercises or stretches fix bowlegs?

Exercise does not change the shape of a bone. It can still help, by strengthening the hip, thigh and core muscles that support the knee and by improving balance and walking mechanics, which often takes some of the strain off a sore joint. Our physical therapists can build a program around your particular alignment, so ask your doctor or contact us at POA.

What Type of Orthopaedic Doctor to See?

If you suspect bowlegs in yourself or your child, see a pediatric orthopaedic specialist for children or an adult orthopaedic surgeon for adults.

Bowlegs can be a normal part of early childhood development, and they can also be a sign of an underlying health issue. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can prevent complications, improve mobility and make daily life easier. If you or a loved one has persistent bowlegs, request an appointment with one of our orthopaedic specialists to go over the options that fit your situation.

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This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.

If you’ve been experiencing numbness, tingling, or pain in your wrist and fingers, you might be wondering if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel is a common condition that affects millions of people. It can significantly impact daily activities. Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome can help you take steps toward relief and prevention.

The Daily Struggle with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Living with carpal tunnel syndrome can be incredibly frustrating and disruptive. Simple daily tasks like typing, holding a phone, gripping a steering wheel, or even buttoning a shirt can become painful and difficult. Many people struggle with sleep due to tingling and numbness, waking them up in the middle of the night. Even work productivity can suffer, especially for those in jobs requiring repetitive hand movements, such as office workers, hairstylists, and factory workers. If you have hobbies involving heavy use of your hands, like crocheting, cooking, or playing an instrument, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause them to become challenging. Dealing with this persistent discomfort and unpredictability of symptoms can be frustrating and lead to fatigue, impacting your overall well-being and quality of life.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, What is It?

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel symptoms often start gradually and may worsen over time, making it important to know the common signs.

Common signs of possible carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Tingling or numbness: This often affects the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, but specifically not the pinky. The sensation can also extend up the arm.
• Pain or discomfort: It is common for many people to feel aching or burning pain in the wrist, palm, or forearm.
• Weakness: If you have carpal tunnel, you might notice that your grip strength has weakened, making it harder to hold objects or perform fine motor tasks.
• Nighttime symptoms: With carpal tunnel syndrome, your symptoms will often worsen at night, sometimes waking you up from sleep with a need to shake out your hands.

The gradual onset of carpal tunnel symptoms can sometimes make it more difficult to realize what might be going on. If you have some or all of these symptoms, we recommend seeing one of our orthopaedic hand & wrist specialists. Seeking a proper diagnosis will help you get set on the right treatment plan for you and relieve your discomfort.

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms vs. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

While carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome share some similarities, they affect distinctly different areas and nerves. It can seem easy to confuse by name, but once you understand each condition, you can better determine which may be causing your pain.

Below is a quick comparison of the symptoms:

Causes and Risk Factors

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by anything that puts pressure on the median nerve.

Some common causes and risk factors include:

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How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have CTS, it's important to see an orthopaedic specialist to evaluate your symptoms and condition. An orthopaedic hand doctor can accurately diagnose the condition and set you on the right path to finding relief.

What will an orthopaedic hand doctor do to diagnose your condition:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

If you are struggling with possible carpal tunnel pain in your wrists, the good news is that carpal tunnel syndrome is treatable! The treatment options for your CTS may vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and may include:

• Lifestyle changes: Adjusting work habits such as improving ergonomics, and taking breaks can help relieve pressure on the nerve.
• Wrist splints: Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, can help keep your wrist in a neutral position, letting it rest, and reduce symptoms.
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can be useful to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Exercises and physical therapy: Specific stretches and strengthening exercises can improve wrist mobility and nerve function.
• Steroid injections: For some, steroid injections are a great option to address the pain you are experiencing from your carpal tunnel syndrome. Corticosteroid shots can help reduce the inflammation in your wrist and provide you temporary relief from your pain.
• Surgery: In severe cases, a procedure called carpal tunnel release surgery can create more space for the median nerve, relieving symptoms.

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Meet Our Hand and Wrist Specialists

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Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

While not all cases of CTS can be prevented, you can take steps to lower your risk of developing it.

Here are a few examples of steps you can proactively take to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Maintain proper wrist posture: With the prevalence of desk and keyboard work, improper ergonomics can greatly impact your wrist issues. It can be beneficial to help prevent this if you focus on proper ergonomics and keep your wrists straight while typing and using your mouse.
• Take breaks: If your work or hobbies involve performing repetitive tasks, it is important to make sure you give your hands a rest.
• Stretch regularly: Regularly doing simple hand and wrist stretches can help keep your median nerve from becoming compressed.
• Use ergonomic tools: A well-designed keyboard, mouse, or wrist support can reduce strain.
• Stay active and healthy: Managing conditions like diabetes and arthritis can help prevent CTS from developing.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms that are gradually worsening and interfere with daily activities, it’s best to see a healthcare provider. Seeking early intervention can prevent your condition from worsening and help you find relief sooner.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common but manageable condition. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help you take the right steps to relieve your discomfort and protect your hands! If you suspect you have CTS, making small changes now can make a big difference in your long-term hand health!

This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.

Dealing with hip bursitis can be a real pain—literally. 

If inflammation or swelling has left you with hip discomfort, it is important to have a firm grasp of the condition in order to get some relief. A good working knowledge of what lies behind hip bursitis – from its symptoms and causes to the available treatments – will put one in a position to better manage overall health and well-being.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

There is a type of arthritis known as hip bursitis. It is brought on when the bursa, the fluid-filled sacs that act as a cushion for the joints, get inflamed. You might put it down to injury or repetitive motions; these are common culprits and they make for some difficulty in going about one’s day. The telltale symptoms are swelling and pain in and around the hips. In the beginning the pain can be quite sharp before turning into a more persistent ache. Look too for any redness or warmth in the area, as well as tenderness.

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Why you can trust us:

• We have multiple Orthopaedic Surgeons who specialize in hips. 
• We have a whole-body health approach when it comes to orthopaedic care.
• Our dedicated physical therapy team works with patients with hip issues to resolve discomfort and get them back to doing what they love.

Want to know more? Visit our website.

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What Causes Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis can develop from various factors:

• Repetitive motions - Like those from work or sports
• Injuries
• Infections
• Poor posture
• Aging

You might view hip bursitis as the body’s manner of putting in an “ouch” to put you on notice of overuse, a bad posture or some injury. In that sense it is as if your body is telling you to take it easy. Age alone can leave one more open to it. But by getting to the root of what is causing it and knowing the triggers, you're better placed to put in place strategies for management and to stave off future flare-ups.

Recognizing Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

You cannot overstate the importance of being able to spot the signs of hip bursitis in order to put an early stop to it. The condition is not one that hides its presence.

Should there be any swelling, tenderness or pain in the vicinity of the hip, particularly with movement, hip bursitis would be a likely culprit.

From pain and tenderness to swelling and altered gait, understanding these signs can help you seek timely treatment.

Factors that Aggravate Hip Bursitis

There is no mistaking the presence of hip bursitis. One need only walk some distance or remain in a reclined position for an extended period to aggravate the bursa and put more fuel on the fire. Then there are exercises and such as rheumatoid arthritis or bad posture which can make matters worse; it is therefore important to have those under control when dealing with the condition.

Meet our Hip Experts

Hip Bursitis Treatment

Managing hip bursitis involves a multifaceted approach to reducing inflammation and promoting healing. So, what can you do about it? 

Fortunately, there are a few things you can implement yourself to find relief:

Healing and Preventing Hip Bursitis

Prevention is the key when it comes to hip bursitis. 

Simple lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and correcting posture, can help prevent the recurrence of this painful condition. 

• Taking breaks during repetitive activities and tasks, to give your hip a breather. 
• Pay attention to maintaining good posture
• Staying active without overdoing it can all help keep hip bursitis at bay. 
• And don't forget to listen to your body— it knows best! 

As the old adage goes, prevention is the best medicine and that holds for hip bursitis as well.

The secret to a proper recovery is early intervention; some rest and an ice pack will get things started, but you should also put in an appearance with an orthopedic specialist for some direction. Should you be suffering from hip bursitis and find no relief, we would advise making time to see one of our orthopaedic specialists.

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Things to Avoid with Hip Bursitis

Those with hip bursitis would do well to steer clear of a few activities. Running is out, as are deep squats and leg lifts. You might even have to forgo the cardio machines since they tend to put undue pressure on hips that are already in a state of irritation. Better to concentrate on some gentle stretching and the kind of movement that will not put any additional strain on the joint.

It can be a trying condition, but there is no need to endure it indefinitely. With the right approach and some forethought, relief is attainable. A good grasp of what causes hip bursitis and how to identify its symptoms is key to putting an end to it and getting back to normal. Do not let hip bursitis get in the way of your day.

This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.