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health & fitness

Bowlegged Deformity

(Genu Varum) and

How To Help It

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the leading

causes of disability in the United States and
it increases with the aging population.

by Paula Allia, PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS
he alignment of the leg bones (femur, What can be done to help the joint function better to delay the
tibia, and patella) is what determines need for a replacement? First, if you notice that the leg is bowing
Twhere joint compressions occurs. out and still do not have pain, use a prophylactic approach. Not
The normal smooth shiny surface (articular only should knee alignment be evaluated but also hip and ankle/
cartilage) at the end of bones is where natural foot alignment must be considered. The goal is to lessen the laxity
rolling and sliding of the bones take place of the joint so that abnormal movement patterns do not progress
to allow for purposeful movements. Injuries furthering more degenerative joint breakdown.
to the knee joint and muscular imbalances No treatment to date has ever been able to reverse the
around the joint can lead to deformity of the degenerative process but recently a study between Harvard and
knee. The progression and type of deformity depends upon the Spalding Rehab discovered a longevity protein called Klotho that
angle of the joint and good muscular balance between flexibility decreases with degeneration and this may be a key to helping
and strength of the surrounding muscles. Without these the regenerate the tissue. Currently muscular strength, balance and
biomechanics change and compensatory movements ensue. available range of motion throughout the leg are pertinent to
In the knee, there is articular cartilage between the thigh bone try and realign the knee structures in such a way as to decrease
(femur) and the lower leg bone (tibia) and the kneecap (patella). the compression. Many times there are certain tightnesses and
Normal healthy articular cartilage is smooth and shiny and this weaknesses that coincide with genu varum, so correcting these
aids in smooth gliding and sliding of the bones with movements. imbalances before severe progression is key.
The meniscus is the other type of cartilage and this is wedged on Bowleggedness affects stability particularly from side to side
the medial side and lateral (outer side) between the femur and and not so much forward and backwards. The gluteus medius
tibia. These menisci allow for the secure positioning between the muscle is the biggest supporter of side to side activity and is
upper thigh bone and the lower (tibia). If this meniscus is torn, especially needed in unilateral stance. With progression of the
fraying will occur and the joint will eventually become incongruent bowed legs, the gluteus medius needs to be even more strong due
and cause breakdown that will eventually lead to the deterioration to the torque on the leg. In the thigh, the vastus lateralis is weaker
of the articular cartilage. If the medial meniscus is affected, the and iliopsoas muscles are weaker.
medial articular cartilage degenerates, compression to this side Overall muscular balance is key to minimally slowing down
worsens and the bones angle (genu varum, or bowleggedness). The further breakdown of the knee joint Stretching of the hamstrings
weight bearing load shifts more medially and over time causes the and the piriformis muscles while working to correct strength
lower tibial bone to bow outwards causing this condition. imbalances must be considered to help decrease both pain and
Gait changes and pain ensues at some point due to the dysfunction. Keep your knees as healthy as they can be.
compression and bone pain. The ligament becomes more lax so
the stability of the joint gets compromised due to the stresses Here’s To Your Health!
placed upon it. Pain worsens and can be debilitating. The eventual
For further information call Fitness Together in downtown Naples
articular cartilage erosion and decreasing joint stability progresses
at 239.263.9348. We have been in business here for 19 years so
to bone on bone dysfunction, which leads to more pain.
give us a call today!

Fitness Together 335 14 Ave South, Naples, FL 34102 239.263.9348 www.FitnessTogether.com/naples
th
72 Life in Naples | April 2023