Crooked legs in a girl. How to fix bow-shaped legs

Many people are self-conscious about their legs, particularly if they resemble bows. Often called "crooked legs," this condition can have an impact on a person’s comfort level and self-esteem. One’s perception of one’s appearance can significantly change if they know how to handle and deal with bow-shaped legs.

Bow-shaped legs can be treated in a variety of ways, from easy exercises and dietary adjustments to more complex therapies. We’ll look at useful advice and techniques in this post that can help you realign your legs. There’s probably a good strategy for you, regardless of whether you’re searching for non-surgical alternatives or thinking about more involved solutions.

We’ll also talk about how strengthening the muscles surrounding your legs and keeping a healthy weight can be extremely important in treating bow-shaped legs. We’ll also talk about the situations in which seeking professional advice and treatment options may be necessary.

Issue	Solution
Bow-shaped legs	Strengthen leg muscles with exercises like squats and lunges. Use orthotic inserts if needed and consult a physical therapist for personalized advice.

Reasons for the structure of "bow-shaped" legs in girls

A girl’s bow-shaped legs are more than just an aesthetic defect. Congenital hypoplasia, triggered by either neurofibromatosis or fibrocystic dysplasia, may be the cause of the defect. One of the shins is unevenly deformed in this instance. The development of pseudoarthrosis is highly likely in individuals with congenital hypoplasia.

Rickets is the cause of leg curvature. The pathology typically manifests in early childhood, adolescence, or in utero. It is believed that a vitamin D deficiency is the primary cause. When Blount’s disease (deforming osteochondrosis) results in O-shaped legs, the limbs must be curved at an angle.

Typically, pathology is diagnosed in younger students. O-shaped legs develop as people age in the context of deforming osteochondrosis, also known as Paget’s disease, which is characterized by tibia and femur damage. Additionally, osteochondrosis, flat feet, and excess weight can all contribute to limb curvature.

How to determine the type of curvature of the legs and methods for correcting each of them

The lower limbs’ curvature can be observed visually. Simply stand in front of a mirror and carefully inspect your legs to accomplish this.

Curvature comes in a few primary forms:

Type	Brief description
True	Usually occurs in infancy or in utero
Varus	Pathological deformation of the knee joints
Valgus	Longitudinal, transverse flatfoot
False	Unevenly distributed soft tissues on the bone

Following a consultation with your physician, you can start the at-home curvature correction process. The safest approach can only be selected by an expert.

True

Deformation of the joints and bones is typically the cause of true curvature of the lower extremities. This may result from a disease, an accident, or genetics. It is very challenging to correct true curvature with exercises.

True deformation comes in three varieties:

• Rotational (torsion) – characterized by the rotation of the ankle, knees and femurs outward or inward.
• Valgus – in this case, the feet and ankles do not touch each other when the legs are brought together.
• Varus – the knees and inner thighs do not touch each other when the legs are brought together.

True curvature allows the knee joint to deform inward and the ankle to deform outward.

Varus

Compression of the meniscus and enlargement of the external joint space can result in varus curvature of the lower extremities. The knee joint’s retaining ligaments are stretched in this instance. The likelihood of turning the femur outward and the shins inward rises in the absence of appropriate treatment for the underlying pathology. The likelihood of the patient becoming disabled in this situation is very high.

Postural abnormalities, arthrosis, osteochondrosis, and secondary flatfoot are typically associated with lower extremity varus curvature. Even when walking slowly, fatigue sets in quickly. Rickets and congenital defects are thought to be the primary causes of pathology development. Our age causes the curvature to become more noticeable. When the legs are brought together, there is no contact between the knees and ankles due to an O-shaped deformation.

Hallus

The development of bone cones and the big toe’s curvature are frequently seen in cases of hallux valgus. The X-shape is a true and complex shape. Patients frequently complain of muscle cramps and become fatigued quickly. When a person has true hallux valgus, their knees touch, but they are unable to bring their feet together. Patients with longitudinal and transverse flat feet are frequently diagnosed.

The following are thought to be the defect’s primary causes:

• Injuries. Bruises and fractures can provoke foot deformation.
• Endocrine disorders. During menopause and pregnancy, hormonal levels change, which can be considered the cause of weakening of the ligaments.
• Incorrectly selected shoes. Experts do not recommend wearing narrow shoes with high heels every day. In this case, the load will be distributed unevenly.
• Bad heredity. The hyperplasticity of the feet passes from parents to children who are more often a weak muscle-ligamentous apparatus.
• Excess weight. Rapid weight gain is accompanied by stretching of muscle tissue and ligaments.
• Osteoporosis. The disease is characterized by calcium deficiency. In this case, bones lose rigidity and become deformed.

The legs’ halgus curvature is visible to the unaided eye.

False

Soft tissues are distributed unevenly in the lower extremities due to false curvature. On a radiograph, the axis is typically straight. One can close the knees and hips with false curvature, but not the calves. It is very challenging to discern the true form from the false on your own. Patients are typically prescribed surgery.

Correction of false and true curvature

There are various methods to straighten a girl’s wheel-shaped legs. Numerous physical activities are regarded as one of the most successful strategies. The shape of the lower extremities can be corrected with gymnastics. It helps to smooth out the outer contours. Joint biomechanics are compromised in conjunction with severe curvature. Patients are shown surgical intervention in this instance.

Straightening the legs using exercises

Exercises assist in bringing the girl’s bowed legs straight. Depending on the kind of pathology, the complex could change. A specialist will typically choose the exercises after diagnosing and evaluating the patient. Regular training is the only way to get good results. It is advised to follow several guidelines.

It’s not allowed:

• to wear bags and backpacks only on the left or right shoulder;
• to wear narrow shoes with high heels;
• to redistribute weight to the right or left leg, especially while standing, crossing the limbs.

You can work out on high-end exercise equipment at home.

Exercises for "O-shaped" curvature

The set of exercises that enables you to extend your legs into an O shape is as follows:

• stretching ("split");
• walking;
• squats.

Additionally, doctors advise patients to take up swimming, figure skating, ballet, and speed skating.

An algorithm to carry out the complex:

• Stand against the wall and close your legs as tightly as possible. Hold the position for 7-10 seconds. Perform up to 5 repetitions.
• With your feet shoulder-width apart, squat 20 times, trying to connect your knees. Perform 2 repetitions.
• Lie down on a gym mat, raising your left and right legs. Perform swings (20 times), crossing them. Perform 3 repetitions.

Your legs’ O-shaped alignment can also be adjusted by walking on your heels and the inside of your foot.

With X-shaped curvature

The soleus and gastrocnemius muscles grow longer with consistent exercise. A short shin can also be corrected with the complex. Experts advise the patient to jump rope every day. Increase the number of jumps progressively. It’s been shown that walking with your feet on the outside works well. After clamping a small sword between your knees, you can squat with it.

Hard workouts:

• Cross your legs, sit down slightly. Perform up to 30 repetitions. You need to get up without using your hands.
• Straighten your back, put your feet together. Spread your knees, trying to tense your muscles. Fix the position for 5-10 seconds. Perform 10 repetitions.

Sitting exercises that involve raising your shins and swinging your legs will help you develop your soleus muscle. Sports equipment is another option.

Exercises to correct external curvature of the thigh

Deformation of the hips occurs in tandem with the building of the internal muscles.

In order to fix the flaw, you must perform the following daily exercise:

• squeeze a small ball between your knees;
• squeeze your knees with force and slowly unclench them;
• perform up to 30 repetitions.

Observable results can be expected after 30–40 days of consistent training. Your legs should become straighter after six months.

To eliminate the curvature of the shin

The shin’s curvature can be adjusted with mild blows to the trouble area. Microtraumas restore normal blood circulation in the muscles and accelerate metabolic processes. It’s crucial to regulate the pressure; claps ought to cause vibrations.

Manual correction of true curvature

Manual therapy can help a girl with her bowed legs to straighten. Erroneously, a lot of people mistake it for massage. Because manual therapy targets not just muscle tissue but also joints, bones, and vertebrae, it differs greatly from other forms of therapy.

To treat the curvature of the legs, specialists employ a variety of techniques:

• working on subcutaneous fat, skin, and muscles;
• working on joints;
• working on bones.

Manual therapy stretches muscles and improves joint mobility. It incorporates lymphatic drainage, acupuncture, and acupressure. After performing a thorough examination on the patient and identifying the type of curvature, the specialist chooses the method for addressing the trouble areas. In general, a session lasts 20 to 25 minutes. A treatment plan consists of 12–15 steps.

It is not possible to conduct sessions with a patient who has:

• mental disorders;
• meningitis;
• osteomyelitis;
• Bechterew"s disease;
• tuberculosis;
• osteoporosis.

Soft tissue injuries and fractures are relative contraindications.

Orthopedic surgery with the Ilizarov apparatus

It is possible to correct a girl’s wheel-shaped legs through surgery. The Ilizarov device is well-liked by orthopedists in the country. It is employed in medialization, limb elongation, and angular deformity correction.

There are multiple steps involved in installing the device on the lower limb:

• a hole is drilled in the shin bone and spokes are inserted into them;
• they are fixed with rings;
• the bone is dissected with a chisel;
• holes are made in strong places (the bone is broken if necessary);
• sutures are applied.

The bones are repositioned in accordance with a pre-modeled image.

Orthopedists employ the subsequent techniques:

• rotational;
• medial;
• angular.

The equipment is worn for four months on average. In this instance, bed rest is not necessary. After receiving an X-ray to confirm the density of the bone scar, the Ilizarov apparatus is removed. An orthosis must be used to fix the leg.

The patient should walk with a walker or crutches and move as little as possible during the rehabilitation period. The injured limb is subjected to a progressive increase in load.

Patients whose legs have an O-shaped curvature have the Ilizarov apparatus installed.

Cruroplasty

One reasonably effective way to straighten the lower limbs is through surgical intervention to correct the shape of the lower leg. Patients with true or false curvature, as well as atrophied muscles, should consider plastic surgery. There are several contraindications to the technique.

Among them are:

• growth of benign and malignant tumors;
• bronchial asthma;
• diabetes mellitus;
• blood clotting disorders;
• varicose veins;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• autoimmune, infectious pathologies.

The correction process makes use of anatomical implants, which stand out for their excellent quality and safety. They’re positioned beneath the fascia. The patient has to undergo a coagulogram, a general urine test, and a blood test (both biochemical and general) during the preoperative phase. He also needs to have a Doppler, an ECG, and a fluorography.

There are multiple stages to the operation:

• the problem area is anesthetized;
• markings are applied to the skin;
• a pocket is formed and an implant is inserted;
• sutures are applied.

The recuperation phase spans three to five weeks. After ten days, the sutures are taken out.

Lipofilling

Another technique for calf correction is lipofilling. There are numerous benefits to plastic surgery. It enables you to give the calf more volume and correct curvature. The troubled area is filled with autografts, which are made of the patient’s fatty tissue. The abdomen, buttocks, or thighs are used for sampling.

There are no incisions made during the procedure, so it is not painful. A puncture heals rapidly. For both true and false curvatures of the lower extremities, lipofilling is recommended. The patient has to undergo an allergy test, blood and urine tests, an HIV infection test, a syphilis test, and other tests prior to the procedure. Drugs that alter the rate of blood clotting must be stopped seven days prior to surgery.

During liposuction, thin, flexible cannulas are inserted; these cannulas are not meant to damage blood vessels or nerves. The specialist starts transplanting fat cells after administering an anesthetic medication. Typically, up to 250 ml of autograft are needed for one shin. Strips are used to seal the puncture sites.

The 90–120 minute procedure is completed. There is a 14-day recuperation period. Diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, varicose veins, and systemic lesions of the internal organs are among the conditions that preclude lipofilling.

Massage

Typically, massage therapy is used to treat hallux valgus.

The expert works in a number of fields:

• back – rubbing, stroking, kneading, comb-like sawing;
• lumbosacral region – stroking, light pressing or shifting, vigorous rubbing;
• buttocks – circular stroking, active rubbing, kneading with both hands, light patting;
• back of thighs – stroking (from the popliteal fossa to the thigh), kneading with both hands, rubbing, light blows;
• back of shin – stroking, rubbing, kneading, vibration blows, stretching;
• knee joint – stroking, light pressing or rubbing, clapping.

Regular exercise is required to strengthen the shins, front of the thighs, and Achilles tendon. Additionally, the feet require the specialist’s close attention. After the massage, stroking occurs.

Stretching machine

The shin can be slightly stretched with the aid of an inversion board. You can strengthen the large joints and the muscles in your spine with this machine. Exercise removes axial load from the spine and joints. This aids in the restoration of normal soft tissue trophism and blood circulation.

Regular exercise encourages the growth of cartilage. You can lengthen your bones by 5-7% with the inversion board. You must hang on the horizontal bar for ten to fifteen minutes each day in order to correct the curvature of your legs. The interval can be extended to 30 minutes after 30 days if the time is increased gradually. A leg extension machine can be used for exercise as well.

An algorithm to carry out the complex:

• installing the machine for yourself;
• placing your feet at a distance of 30 cm from each other;
• slow flexion and extension of the legs.

When executing the exercise, the feet must be turned with the toes pointing inward in order to correct the outer contour of the legs. We don’t use weights in the beginning.

Corrective belts

In a few weeks, corrective belts can help straighten your legs.

Instructions for operation:

• 3 belts (for hips, knees and shins) must be laid out on a flat surface;
• place a small pillow between your knees;
• tighten the knee and shin straps;
• take a comfortable position and fasten the hip belt.

Every day, the corrector should be worn for two to three hours. A person should loosen the corrector slightly if they are uncomfortable, as the belt shouldn’t be too tight. Before utilizing the corrector, experts advise measuring the separation between the right and left limbs.

After three to four weeks of daily wear, a noticeable improvement will occur. You can lift your torso and legs while doing easy exercises in the belts to straighten your legs. The belts are composed of neoprene and lycra. The length of the knee strap is 62 cm, the shin strap is 70 cm, and the shin strap is 53 cm.

Footwear

Your legs won’t get any straighter with shoes on. It can be applied to conceal the flaw. Experts advise avoiding short shoes and ankle boots during the fall and winter season. They will visually accentuate the shin’s crookedness.

The following standards should serve as your guide when selecting shoes:

• over-the-knee boots will help hide the curvature of the legs;
• stocking boots should be a contrasting color with leggings or tights;
• it is best to buy shoes made of suede and velor.

Girls with uneven legs look good in light boots devoid of sequins, glitter, and other embellishments. Experts recommend buying dark blue, gray, or black tights for women with large legs. The shaft of boots should be broad and straight. It is preferable to decline heels, platform shoes, and tread soles when the legs truly curve. Additionally inappropriate are shoes with pointed toes.

Possible complications and consequences of crooked legs

Leg curvature, in particular, needs to be adjusted as soon as possible. There is a significant chance of complications if proper care is not received. Improper load distribution is a characteristic of legs with X- and O-shaped curvature.

The likelihood of developing: is high.

• Myositis. The pathology is accompanied by the appearance of severe muscle pain.
• Cramps. Complications arise against the background of involuntary contraction of muscle tissue.
• Myalgia. Observed with insufficient blood supply. The disease affects the skeletal muscles of the lower extremities.

Additionally, complications are a possibility following surgery.

The most typical ones are:

• Scars. In most cases, this is due to the individual characteristics of the body. The complication can be considered a response to injury.
• Damage to nerves and blood vessels. The complication is associated with decreased sensitivity. An inexperienced surgeon can damage or compress a nerve. Sometimes the complication is temporary.
• Asymmetry. It is almost impossible to achieve ideal symmetry, so the patient should be prepared for changes in the size and shape of the shin.
• Dystopia. In this case, the implant is displaced. Repeated surgery may be required to eliminate the effect.

The most frequent post-plastic surgery complications are thought to be contouring issues. In this instance, the implant’s edges are visible. Often, the site of the incision becomes a hematoma. Drainage must be installed due to the pathological state. Nervous breakdowns in women and girls with wheel-shaped legs are possible. Experts advise against delaying medical care. The kind of curvature can only be identified by a physician.

Although having bow-shaped legs can make you feel self-conscious about the way you look, there are doable solutions. You can enhance the appearance and functionality of your legs with a variety of options, ranging from specialized exercises to expert treatments.

You can improve the alignment and strength of your leg muscles by including exercises like lunges and squats in your routine. With time, noticeable progress can be attained through consistent practice. Speaking with a physical therapist can also guarantee that you’re employing the appropriate methods and offer tailored advice.

There are options for cosmetic treatments if you’re thinking about getting results more quickly. Leg contouring is one procedure that can help reshape your legs, but it’s important to speak with a qualified specialist to determine which options are best for you.

In the end, treating bow-shaped legs requires a mix of self-care, exercise, and potentially expert guidance. You can improve the health of your legs and your confidence with the appropriate strategy.

You may be self-conscious about the way your legs appear if they are bow-shaped, but there are solutions for this issue. There are doable actions you can take to enhance the look and functionality of your legs, ranging from specific exercises and physical therapy to seeking the advice of specialists for possible treatments. This post will discuss several techniques for straightening legs that are bow-shaped and provide practical guidance to improve leg health and confidence.

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