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What are Bow Legs?

Bow legs, also called genu varum, are a condition in which the legs bend outward at the knees. It's a regular part of growth and development in infants and toddlers and generally disappears as the child ages.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely treatment of bow legs (genu varum) is essential to prevent joint damage, walking difficulties, and persistent pain. Early intervention prevents the requirement for surgery, lowers the risk of arthritis, and ensures healthy bone development. It also helps improve posture, mobility, and self-confidence. Furthermore, it improves self-confidence, movement, and posture. Early therapy can improve the overall quality of life and avoid long-term consequences.

What are the Common Symptoms of Bow Legs?

  • The legs get outward and curve at the knees.
  • Having trouble while running or walking.
  • Adults who have persistent bow legs may experience knee or hip pain.
  • Space is developed between the knees and lower legs, particularly when standing with pointed forward toes.
  • The knees are not touched when standing with the feet and ankles together.

Causes and Risk Factors of Bow Legs

Causes

  • Physiological (Normal in Early Childhood) – Many newborns are born with bow legs because of their position in the womb. It often goes away by the age of 2-3.
  • Rickets – A vitamin D or calcium deficiency leads to weak, softened bones.
  • Blount’s Disease – An abnormal disorder that affects the bending of the tibia (shin bone) and causes excessive bowing.
  • Bone Malformations –Hereditary disorders that affect bone structure.
  • Arthritis – Bowing in adults is due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Risk Factors

The following factors can increase the chances of developing bow legs

  • Age – It is common in babies and toddlers, but if it persists until the age of 3, it may become a serious problem.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies – A deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus can be a reason for rickets, weakening bones and causing bowing.
  • Blount's disease is a developmental problem that primarily affects children who are overweight and early walkers.
  • Genetics –The problem is more likely to occur if there is a family history of bow legs or bone disorders.
  • Obesity is a risk factor, as excessive weight pressures the development of leg bones.

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Bow Legs in the United Arab Emirates

Current research in the United Arab Emirates illustrates significant advances in treating bow legs (genu varum), focusing on individualised and less aggressive methods. In children, treatments like the Eight-Plate method of guided growth are often used to realign bones with minimal recuperation time, progressively. In severe cases, the bones are reshaped through surgery with procedures such as osteotomies. In addition, the UAE's commitment to combining advanced technology with patient-oriented care is also illustrated by the significant roles played by orthotic support and physiotherapy in non-surgical management.

Bow Legs Prevention Tips

Ensure you eat a healthy diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin D to develop strong bones and avoid bow legs. Kids should be encouraged to maintain a healthy weight and participate in frequent physical activities to promote leg alignment. Avoid exposing babies to extended early weight-bearing activities, such as excessive standing or walking, before they are ready. Visiting a doctor regularly might help detect and treat any problems with bone growth early.

Treatment options for Bow Legs

Bow leg correction: involves realigning the legs to their normal posture. The issue can be corrected with bracing and guided growth surgery as children develop. Limb-lengthening procedures or surgical treatments such as osteotomy are employed for severe occurrences in adulthood. Recent developments like robotic-assisted correction and minimally invasive surgery have improved results and shortened recovery times.


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Physical Examination: The doctor analyses the patient's knee separation, gait, and leg alignment.

  • X-rays and radiographs are helpful tools for determining the degree of bone misalignment and identifying underlying bone disorders.
  • MRI or CT scan examines soft tissues, cartilage, and bone structure.
  • Blood tests: To detect diseases such as metabolic problems or rickets (vitamin D deficiency).
  • Gait analysis measures the functional impact by analysing walking patterns.

MediRehab (chain of Rehab centres - Part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to support patients through Teleconsultations and online therapy sessions.

  • Physical therapy includes exercises for strengthening and stretching muscles to enhance posture and balance.
  • Children are braced to help with proper alignment and bone growth.
  • Orthotic Supports: Modifications to shoes or custom insoles to improve leg alignment.
  • Weight management is the process of losing extra weight to relieve joint strain.
  • Post-Surgical Rehab: Physiotherapy aids in the recovery of function, strength, and mobility following surgery.

Although medications cannot treat bow legs directly, they can help control the symptoms and underlying causes; for instance, medications target the root causes, such as bone-strengthening medications for osteoporosis, NSAIDS for pain management, and vitamin D and calcium supplements for rickets. In certain circumstances, growth hormone therapy may also be helpful. In severe situations, bracing or surgery is usually necessary.

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Hospitals for Bow Legs in United Arab Emirates

Burjeel Medical City: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Burjeel Medical City

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Hospital owns an International Patient Services Team that is responsible to assist international patients with world-class healthcare, transportation arrangement, accommodation facilities, language interpreters, and much more. 

Burjeel Medical City (about 1.2 million square facilities)provides 7-star hospitality to its patients. It has the largest facility space bed among all the private hospitals. The Hospital consists of-

  • Large waiting areas and consultation rooms 
  • Spacious lobbies on each floor 
  • 338 Luxurious Patient Rooms 
  • 70 Ambulatory Rooms
  • Intensive Care Units
  • The Hospital comprises various centers, under Burjeel Cancer Institute- 
  • Breast Center
  • Uro-oncology Center
  • Surface Malignancy Center (HIPC)
  • Head & Oncology Center
  • Medical Oncology & Hematology Center and others
Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Burjeel Specialty Hospital is built on an area of 16,000 square meters. It is a 75-bedded hospital with 24-hours emergency services. It has a 24-hours Laboratory & a unique radiology department. Hospital tries to cover every need of patients and to help them in their need hour with all its available medical services. 

The hospital constitutes many centers such as women’s health center, premium care surgery center, heart care center, Bariatric & weight loss clinic, and many others, in order to conduct proper medical care for the patients.

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Why Choose the United Arab Emirates for Bow Leg Treatment?

The reason for choosing the United Arab Emirates for the treatment is that the UAE has highly qualified orthopaedic doctors and state-of-the-art medical facilities at reasonable prices. Bow leg treatment is highly sought after in the country. With modern technology, shorter waiting times than most Western nations, and hospitals approved by the Western world, patients can receive excellent care for a fraction of the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surgery for bow legs is required if the condition continues after age three and causes severe misalignment, pain, or movement problems. It is also necessary for cases connected to diseases like Blount’s or rickets. Treatments like osteotomy or guided growth surgery might correct the deformity and prevent joint issues if braces or therapy are ineffective.

Bow legs (genu varum) can affect individuals of all ages: Infants & Toddlers (0–3 years). It is very common for infants to be born with bow legs due to their position in the womb. It corrects itself as they grow and start walking. It may show an underlying condition, such as rickets, if bow legs persist beyond age three or worsen.

Bow legs (genu varum) can run in families. Due to genetic factors, some children inherit a natural tendency for their legs to bow, affecting bone development. However, environmental factors, including inadequate nutrition (such as vitamin D deficiency leading to rickets) or underlying medical issues, can cause bow legs.

Mobility may not be significantly affected by mild cases of bow legs, but severe cases might result in:

  • Inability to run and walk efficiently
  • Increased stress on the hips, knees, and ankles,
  • Pain or discomfort, mainly when performing extensive activity
  • There is an increased chance of joint issues, including arthritis, as one ages.

In the United Arab Emirates, treatment for bow leg is generally successful, with numerous patients experiencing good results from interventions such as osteotomy. Well-established medical facilities, experienced surgeons, and advanced medical technology contribute to successful interventions.

Before choosing hospitals in the United Arab Emirates, always look for the following:

  • Hospitals with accreditation (JCI approved).
  • Skilled orthopaedic surgeons specialising in sports injuries
  • Success rates and patient reviews.
  • Hospitals that assist patients from overseas for a seamless experience.

Yes, UAE surgeons have extensive experience treating bow legs. Both conservative and surgical approaches are frequently used by orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists in the United Arab Emirates to diagnose and treat these ailments.

Infants frequently have bow legs, which can be easily detected visually. Because of their position in the womb, most infants are naturally born with bowed legs, but this usually goes away when they are two or three years old. Additional medical assessment could be required if bending worsens or continues past this age.

Severe bow legs can cause joint pain and arthritis, especially in the knees, if not treated.

  • Uneven Joint wear raises the risk of osteoarthritis
  • Abnormal walking patterns that result in postural problems and muscular imbalances,
  • Decreased mobility that impacts daily tasks and sports performance

The recovery time frame following corrective surgery is determined by the procedure involved and the patient's healing process. Usually:

  • It could take three to six months to recover after osteotomy surgery, which realigns the bones fully.
  • Rehabilitation may be followed by several months of external fixation (gradual correction).
  • Regaining strength and movement requires physical therapy.

After receiving proper treatment, chances of recurrence are relatively rare; however, it can occur because of the:

  • Inadequate remediation during therapy
  • Abnormalities in children's growth
  • Underlying medical conditions that have an impact on bone health
  • Inappropriate rehabilitation or post-operative treatment
  • It can be avoided by maintaining good bone health (enough calcium, vitamin D, and exercise) and regularly consulting a doctor.