Bow legs in toddlers in Nigeria 

Bow legs are a condition in which the knees are bent outwards even when standing with the feet and ankles. Bowlegs are a regular occurrence in infants. It is evident when a child stands or walks.

 

Myth

The two most common myths surrounding bowlegs are listed below:

  • Keeping the baby’s legs apart can widen a baby’s legs.
  • Standing a baby up too soon and having the weight go down his joints.

 

The above are myths because no proven research or examination supports these claims. Bowlegs are a distinct stage in the development of infants and toddlers and have nothing to do with the physical positioning of the baby. Nonetheless, be careful to keep your child off every activity that can be life-threatening.

 

Causes of bow legs

According to a SmartParenting article, “From Piki to Sakang, 5 Weird Toddler Walks and When You Need to Worry”, one of the reasons for bow-leggedness is the infant’s position inside the womb. Still, it can correct itself by the time the child turns 3.

 

It can be due to physiological variation, meaning that individuals of the same species can experience differences in body build or behavioural attributes. So, bow-leggedness does not necessarily occur from underlying diseases. However, there are still ones traced to existent bone diseases referred to as Blount disease and Rickets.

 

Blount's disease, infantile tibia vara, can occur in toddlers and adolescents. It is an abnormality that affects the growth plates around the knee, which causes the bones in the lower leg to curve outwards. It can slowly worsen over time.

 

Rickets result from inadequate calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and all the essential minerals required for healthy bones. It can also be genetically transferred, especially if the gene is such that it does not allow proper absorption of vitamin D.

 

Prevention

There’s no known way of preventing bowlegs, but to curb the chances of getting rickets which may lead to the bowlegs, ensure your baby takes a sufficient dose of vitamin D and calcium in his meal.

 

Treatment/management 

While some people see bow-leggedness as a regular part of existence or development due to discomforts like difficulty walking or running, hip and knee pains and low self-esteem, it comes off as a problem that requires a solution to so many others.

 

Typically, there isn’t any necessary treatment for infants. It is expected to begin straightening within 12-18 months of age, especially physiologic bowlegs. Some bowlegs stretch out over time, it may not completely resolve, but their curve becomes less visible with growth. 

 

However, some do not, especially the broadly curved ones. It may, over time, become a risk factor for knee joint degeneration or arthritis, but this is primarily common among adults.

 

You must visit your doctor at least every 6 months to check your progress. If it does, your doctor may have to recommend the following;

 

The use of Braces: If a doctor determines that treatment is necessary, braces can be worn to prevent permanent deformity. This works effectively if the disease is noticed quite early before it is full-blown.

 

Through Osteotomy or Hemiepiphysiodesis: If by age 4, the child is still unable to walk correctly, surgery may afterwards be carried out. An Osteotomy is a structured surgical alteration where the bones are cut to change their shape to a more natural form. The bone is afterwards held in place with an internal plate or external form while it heals. 

 

Hemiepiphysiodesis is a guided growth where small metal plates are implanted to temporarily cease bone growth on the leg's healthy side. The staple or plate is removed when realignment is achieved. Surgery may be required if the deformity is extreme, and a cast may be worn afterwards.

 

Medication use: Intake of vitamins and calcium may be prescribed by your medical practitioner.

 

Massage: Gently massage your baby's legs with warm water. Do not apply too much pressure, as it may cause more harm to the baby.

 

Conclusion 

It is essential to seek medical help, especially if the issue threatens your baby's health. Do not hesitate to alert your healthcare provider. Contact a skilled orthopedist if you notice persistent pain or symptoms considering surgery.

 

Do not purchase over-the-counter drugs without a prescription, nor subject your baby to risk factors from traditional herbs and practices. Do not try to press your baby’s wellness remains our priority.

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