Hey there, dear moms and dads! Today we’re going to talk about a little bit of a “bent” topic – bow legs.
Have you ever noticed that when your child first learns to walk, his or her calves flare out like little brackets? Or have you ever noticed that your knees are getting more and more difficult to approach after sitting in the office for a long time? Don’t panic! Today I will use the simplest vernacular, take you to understand what causes bow legs, and by the way, share some practical tips~!
First, let’s get this straight: what are O-shaped legs?
When you stand straight, your knees don’t touch each other, and your calves bend outward, like the letter O!
Stand up straight with your feet together and observe the distance between your knees: <3cm: normal range, >5cm: you may need to pay attention!
What Causes Bow Legs? 7 major culprits exposed.
- When the baby is just born: physiological O-shaped legs
Almost all newborns have “parenthesized legs” because they have to grow up curled up in the womb because of the cramped space in the womb. o-legs usually straighten out on their own before the age of two!
Wrong way: Tying the legs? Useless! Instead, it may affect hip development.
Correct operation: more lying down, more crawling, let the baby natural development. - lack of vitamin D: bones soft and floppy
Make up the right nutrition! Vitamin D helps calcium absorption, and if it is insufficient (such as little sun exposure and a single diet), the bones will become soft and unable to support the weight, and the legs will bend.
High-risk signals: baby hair thinning, sweating, learning to walk later than the same age!
Solution:
Sunbathe for 10-15 minutes a day (not through the glass!)
Eat more egg yolks, fish, or take VD supplements as prescribed by your doctor. - Learning to stand/walk too early: too much pressure on calves
Keywords: don’t pull the plug!
Some parents are eager to let their children walk at 9 months, but the bones are not yet ready! Early weight bearing may deform the legs.
Correct rhythm:
Crawl enough for 500 hours! (about 6-12 months)
Help to stand → stand alone → walk, the water is ready! - Obesity: Knees say “can’t take it”.
Key words: lose weight!
Whether it’s a baby or an adult, overweight will make the pressure on the inside of the knee skyrocket, long-term – leg bend!
Self-check: BMI>24 (formula: weight kg÷height m²) - Bad posture: the pot of stilted legs
Keywords: sit up straight!
Stilting your legs and sitting in a W-shape (knees turned out when kneeling) every day will make your muscles imbalanced.
Sit with your feet flat on the floor
Try “Indian sitting” (sitting with legs crossed). - Trauma or disease
Seek prompt medical attention!
Few conditions may be: poor healing after a fracture, rickets (severe VD deficiency), arthritis (common in middle-aged and older people)
Warning Signs:
Legs are bending more and more
Walking pain, lack of height - genes:
If the whole family has O-shaped legs, it’s probably genetic (like the classic leg shape of Japanese sumo wrestlers). As long as it doesn’t affect your health, confidence is the most important thing!
Can O-shaped legs be corrected?
Before 2 years old: observe
After 2 years old and still serious: find a pediatrician, may need a brace
Adult’s condition:
Mild: strengthen the inner thigh muscles (e.g., clip pillows to practice)
Severe: consult an orthopedic surgeon, consider corrective surgery
Anti-bending guide: 3 small daily habits
Enough nutrition: 1 cup of milk + 1 egg + sunshine every day.
Refuse to sit: remind “legs in front of you” when you sit.
Control weight: BMI>24 to move!
Questions and Answers
Q: Is it useful to wear orthopedic shoes?
A: Don’t spend money unless your doctor clearly recommends it!
Q: Will jumping rope make my legs more bent?
A: Jumping rope correctly builds muscle instead, but be cautious if you are overweight or already have pain.
It doesn’t matter if your legs are bent or not, being healthy and happy is most important.