For many new parents, the arrival of a baby is one of the most exciting experiences in life. Watching a new baby grow and develop, especially over the first two years of life, can be a time of joy, excitement but also frustration. Of note is the concern many parents express during paediatric visits regarding the seemingly lower extremity growth deformity attributing to the appearance of bowed legs in the child. For many children, this bow leg appearance is simply a part of child growth and development.
Bow legs is a condition in which the knees stay wide apart when a person stands with the feet and ankles together. It is considered normal in children under 18 months. Babies and young children often have knees and legs that look awkward.
If a child has bow legs, the legs bow outwards when she or he stands. When your child stands with his or her feet together, the knees will be far apart. Bow legs are very easy to see at 12 to 18 months when your child starts to stand and walk. Standing and walking helps the legs to straighten.
If a child has bow legs, the legs bow outwards when she or he stands. When your child stands with his or her feet together, the knees will be far apart. Bow legs are very easy to see at 12 to 18 months when your child starts to stand and walk. Standing and walking helps the legs to straighten.
Causes
Infants are born bow legged because of their folded position in the mother's womb. Bowed legs begin to straighten once the child starts to walk and the legs begin to bear weight (about 12 to 18 months old).
Severely bowed legs can be caused by rickets. Its a conditions. Rickets is typically caused by not getting enough or being able to properly use vitamin D.
Bow legs may be caused by illnesses such as:
Abnormal bone development
Blount's disease
Fractures that do not heal correctly
Rickets, which is caused by a lack of vitamin D
Symptoms
- Knees do not touch when standing with feet together (ankles touching)
- Bowing of legs is same on both side of the body (symmetrical)
- Bowed legs continue beyond age 3
Exams and Tests
A doctor can often diagnose bow legs by simply looking at the child. The distance between the knees is measured while the child is lying on the back.
Blood tests may be needed to rule out rickets.
X-rays may be needed if:
The child is 3 years old or older
The bowing is getting worse
Bowing is not the same on both sides
Other test results suggest disease
Medical Treatments
If the bowing is severe or worsening, braces and surgery are the first options to be considered. Correction should be undertaken as early as possible, first with braces, and if this treatment shows no positive results, with surgery to correct the faulty knee structure. Otherwise the condition may eventually result in disabling problems of the knee joints.
Nutritional rickets is treated with large doses of vitamin D. The treatment of rickets that is caused by a genetic metabolic defect will vary depending on the nature of the disorder.
Nutritional rickets is treated with large doses of vitamin D. The treatment of rickets that is caused by a genetic metabolic defect will vary depending on the nature of the disorder.
Bow legs that does not go away and is not treated may lead to arthritis in the knees or hips over time.
Orthopedics India in Aurangabad provides Quality and Excellent treatment care in Bow Legs. Visit Us: www.orthopedicsindia.com
If you require more information about the treatment of bow legs for your child, Talk Free
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