What is Genu Varum?

Commonly known as bowlegs, it is an orthopedic condition where the knees bend outward, causing the legs to form an "O" shape. This deformity is especially common in childhood but can also occur in adults. Genu varum causes aesthetic concerns and may lead to joint pain, walking difficulties, and knee problems in the long term.

The most common cause of genu varum is a normal growth process in childhood called “varus deformity.” This condition is the natural inward bending of children’s legs after birth. This bending tends to correct itself as the child grows and usually disappears completely by age 2-3. However, in some cases, this bending continues and is called genu varum.

What causes bowed legs? Other causes include obesity, bone diseases, muscle weakness, and poor nutrition. Additionally, some congenital conditions like congenital hip dysplasia can also cause genu varum.

There are various factors that can contribute to the development of genu varum:

• Physiological: Most infants are born with genu varum positioning, but this usually corrects itself by age 2.
• Vitamin D deficiency: Improper bone development due to rickets disease.
• Genetic factors: Whether there are similar cases in the family.
• Trauma or injury: Fractures or injuries affecting bone development.
• Osteoarthritis: Can develop in adults due to deterioration in the knee joint.

The most noticeable symptom of genu varum is the inward bending of the knees. This condition can be noticeable while walking and may affect the child's balance. Additionally, symptoms in children can include knee pain, fatigue, deformity, and leg length discrepancy.

In adults, symptoms of genu varum may include knee pain, difficulty walking, and instability. Problems such as wear and tear in the knees can also occur.

Genu varum presents with some distinct features:

• Knees standing apart while standing
• Legs appearing in an "O" shape
• Instability while walking
• Pain around the knees and hips
• Difficulty with prolonged movement

The diagnosis of genu varum is generally made through physical examination and radiological imaging (X-ray). The orthopedic specialist measures the degree of the leg curvature and may perform various tests to determine the cause of the deformity.

The treatment of genu varum (bowleg deformity) varies according to the degree of genu varum, the person's age, the severity of the curvature, and the underlying cause.

How is bowleg corrected in children? Physiological genu varum (due to normal development) usually corrects itself with growth. If necessary, physical therapy, corrective shoes, or orthotics may be recommended.
In adults, the condition usually requires surgery. The curvature is corrected with osteotomy (bone correction surgery). After surgery, physical therapy and muscle-strengthening exercises are applied.
While observation and exercises are sufficient for mild cases, surgical treatment may be needed in advanced cases.

The most important thing you can do to prevent genu varum is to ensure your child maintains a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and avoiding obesity can help prevent genu varum. Additionally, it is important for your child to have regular doctor check-ups. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the progression of genu varum.

In some cases, preventing genu varum is possible:

• Protecting bone health with vitamin D and calcium supplements
• Regular health check-ups during childhood
• Being careful to avoid injuries
• Controlling weight to prevent excessive load on the joints

Genu varum means shortened muscles and bowlegs. In this case, regular exercise is important. Exercise strengthens the leg muscles.

It can also help slow the progression of the deformity. Exercises are especially effective during childhood or in mild cases. However, it is important that these exercises are done under the supervision of an orthopedic specialist or physiotherapist.

This exercise helps with knee alignment by strengthening the outer thigh muscles.

• Lie on your side and lift your top leg straight up.
• Slowly lower your leg and lift it again.
• Do 15 repetitions for each leg.

Benefits: Strengthens the hip and outer thigh muscles, improves leg balance.

This exercise strengthens the hip muscles and muscles around the knee, supporting the correction of genu varum.

• Lie on your back and bend your knees with your feet flat on the floor.
• Lift your hips off the ground and hold for a few seconds.
• Slowly return to the starting position.
• Do 15 repetitions.

Benefits: Strengthens the hip muscles and ligaments around the knee.

This exercise helps correct leg alignment by strengthening the thigh muscles.

• Lean your back against a wall and bend your knees to a 90-degree sitting position.
• Hold this position for 20-30 seconds.
• Rest and repeat.

Benefits: Increases knee stability, strengthens leg muscles.

An effective exercise used to strengthen the inner sides of the knees.

• Place a pillow or small ball between your knees.
• Squeeze your knees together, holding the pillow for a few seconds, then release.
• Do 10-15 repetitions.

Benefits: Strengthens inner thigh muscles, supporting leg alignment.

An exercise performed to improve balance and knee stability.

• Stand balanced on one leg and extend your arms sideways to maintain balance.
• Hold this position for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.

Benefits: Strengthens leg muscles evenly and improves balance.

Hip stretches reduce tightness in leg muscles and increase mobility.

• Kneel on one knee, bend the other leg forward.
• Push your hips forward to feel the stretch.
• Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.

Benefits: Stretches hip muscles and reduces load on knee joints.

• Perform exercises regularly, but stop if you feel pain.
• Follow exercises recommended by a physiotherapist or doctor.
• Start exercises slowly and increase gradually over time.
• Maintain proper form to avoid incorrect movements.

While mild cases can be treated with physiotherapy and exercises, advanced deformities may require surgical intervention.

Genu Varum Surgery

Surgical methods used in genu varum treatment and cosmetic correction include:

• Guided Growth Surgery: This procedure is performed on children's growth plates. The legs are gradually guided into the correct position.
• Osteotomy: More commonly used in adults, this method involves cutting the bone to realign it and fixing it with metal plates.
• Total Knee Replacement: Applied in elderly patients with severe knee damage. The deformed knee joint is replaced with a prosthesis.

Post-Surgery:

• Use of crutches is recommended for the first few weeks.
• Physiotherapy programs help accelerate recovery.
• Full recovery usually occurs within 6 to 12 months.

Genu valgum is commonly known as the X-leg deformity. When the ankles are together, the knees touch each other and there is no gap between them.

Causes:

• Genetic predisposition
• Bone development problems
• Excess weight
• Knee injuries

Symptoms:

• Knees touching each other
• Unsteady gait
• Knee and hip pain

A Life Health Group offers reliable and modern solutions in genu varum treatment with orthopedic and traumatology specialists. What is the cost of genu varum surgery?

• Our expert doctors prepare the most appropriate treatment plan with individual evaluations.
• Our physical therapy and rehabilitation centers support the correction of the deformity.
• Our radiological imaging and diagnostic centers are equipped with advanced technology devices for accurate diagnosis.

You can contact A Life Health Group specialists to protect your leg health and get detailed information.