Bow-Leg

Causes  |  Symptoms  |  Treatment Options

What Is Gout & Pseudogout?

Bow-leggedness is the physical appearance of the lower limbs adopting an ‘O’ shape due to the curving in at the knee joint.

This may sometimes be present from when one is young but can also develop when the inner sides of the knees wear out, as is often the case with knee osteoarthritis.

What Are The Symptoms Of Bow-Leg?

Bow-leggedness on its own does not cause symptoms.

However, due to the shape of the knee, there is excessive stress on the bone and cartilage over the inner side of the knee. This can result in damage to the cartilage and meniscus (shock absorber) and cracks in the bone.

One will then experience pain and swelling in the knee that is worse with standing and walking.

What Are The Treatment Options Available For Bow-Leg?

Should one develop symptoms, a doctor will need to assess for underlying injury.

In younger patients, damage to the meniscus and cartilage may be repaired. However, the bone will often need to be realigned to ensure that this overloaded part of the knee does not undergo the same stress and damage again in the future.

This surgical procedure is called an osteotomy, whereby the bone is cut, realigned, and fixed in place. In older individuals with osteoarthritis, a joint replacement will be able to realign the limb while at the same time resolving the symptoms of pain and swelling.