Welcome to Smart Feet!

BOW LEGS (GENU VARUM)

Infant’s legs are naturally bowed at 30 degrees of tibial torsion at birth, becoming straight by about 12 months. 

When the condition continues, it is due to other factors, usually related to rotation of the femur in relation to the pelvis.  The normal angle is 15-25 degrees.  An angle larger than this causes in toeing during walking.  The angle of the femoral neck in relation to the femoral shaft in excess of 135 degrees also contributes to bowlegs.

Those with genu varum have a high probability of accompanying knee problems.

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Tibial torsion pathology
• Femoral torsion pathology

Symptoms:

• Knee pain

Signs to look for:

• Kneecaps that point laterally (outward) vs. straight ahead

Possible Causes:

• Congenital
• Injury

Goals:

• Create foot balance
• Align hips, knees, ankles and feet
• Support arches

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Arch supports for children as soon as it is apparent the bow-legs are not straightening

• Extra depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and steel shank

• Wear shoes with titanium springs for exercising

Other: 

• If shoes and arch supports do not provide enough foot support, internal or external lateral wedging can be a added

• Children are sometimes fit with bracing

Activities:

• Regular stretching of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Achilles tendon and arch structure

• Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercising, such as walking (weight bearing) with swimming or bicycling (non-weight bearing)