Truth about Bow legs:What you must know

The uterus is the home of  a new life.As your baby grows the space inside may seem cramped.

This cramping causes  the legs to be folded .

 

The child is born with bowing of legs ,due to folded leg position in utero.

 

This bowing in infants is called physiological Genu Vera.

 

Once they start putting pressure on them while walking ,they may straighten out .This happens  by 2 to 3 years of age.

If not corrected ,then they may cause some serious problems.

What are the problems with bowing of leg?

• Shortening of 1 leg
• Deformity
• Difficulty walking running
• Higher risk of arthritis.

 

Persistent bowing may be due some deficiencies.

 

What are these deficiencies?

• Rickets
• Blount’s disease
•  Lead   fluoride poisoning

 

First few tests  which you must do:

25(OH)     Vitamin D in serum

• Serum free calcium level
• X-ray of legs.

 

How will your doctor check for change?

Measurements of distance between knees while child is lying on the back.

This is monitored to see for any worsening

 

 

What is the best course of management?

•  Treat Rickets.
  Treatment  of any  other underlying problem .
• Braces& Orthopedic devices to keep the leg in straightened position (serious cases)
• Surgery after 3 years (determined according to individual case basis)

All problems may not be solved but timely intervention can change the life of a child for ever.

 

Day 21 #NaBloPoMo