Make your legs straight. Exercises for X-shaped curvature of the legs. How to independently determine the structure of your legs

Many girls worry about the shape of their legs, considering them hopelessly crooked. But it turns out that the shape of the legs is determined by various reasons and often with the help of exercises.

Congenital severe curvature, fortunately, is rare. Usually, crooked legs are acquired during childhood and adolescence. While the skeleton has not yet formed, any irregularity in gait can affect the shape of the legs. You can say that your mother has the same bow legs as you. But, most likely, you just have the same incorrect gait and posture as your mother!

What causes the curvature of the legs?

Many different factors. For example, longitudinal and transverse flat feet, which entails the habit of walking incorrectly. Children and teenagers clubbing, shuffling with their soles, standing with their weight on one leg - all this only aggravates the irregular shape of the foot and introduces dissonance in the formation of bones and

Have you noticed that stooped people who move their pelvis forward always have flat buttocks, as if their back was simply divided into two legs? At the same time, the set of muscles and bones in all people is the same. It’s just that with catastrophically incorrect posture, the gluteal muscles are not involved in gait, do not receive the necessary load and remain completely undeveloped.

Something similar happens during the formation of the skeleton and muscles of our legs: if posture, gait and foot placement are physiologically correct, then the muscles and bones receive the correct load and develop in the right direction. Very often, there is a reason for slight curvature of the legs, which an orthopedic doctor can remove.

Another reason for uneven feet can be uncomfortable, tight high-heeled shoes or the costs of a profession in which the feet are unevenly loaded.

Moreover, this will not necessarily be an athlete who always uses one leg as a push leg when jumping, or a driver with an automatic transmission. A salesperson leaning on the counter, transferring his entire body weight on one leg, or an office worker who has earned scoliosis from sitting incorrectly... There are also many options here. Excess weight is one of the most common causes of crooked legs, especially noticeable with age.

The straightest legs are those who walk a lot in open shoes or barefoot. This ensures mobility and strength to the joints, and the absence allows the legs to form correctly.

What does plastic surgery offer?

Plastic surgery performs manipulations with fat - liposuction and lipomodeling, when in some problem areas (from the abdomen or hips) it is added to correct the shape of the legs.

The operation will last about an hour, and recovery will take two weeks.

Another option for calf correction with a completely unpredictable result is the installation of silicone implants, when an incision is made under the knee and the implant is inserted between the muscles of the lower leg.

The implant can move freely and will have to be removed, but most importantly: with foreign bodies in the calves, you will never be able to play sports again! It is unlikely that such operations are popular.

What will the orthopedist offer?

Orthopedic doctors know that curvature of the legs gradually harms the entire body: the joints, the spine, and even the nervous system. Moreover, the cause and effect here can change: just as damage to the joints can lead to deformation of the shape of the legs, so the curvature itself becomes the cause of arthrosis and other joint diseases.

Orthopedics treats joint pathologies and flat feet. For this purpose, there are bandages, orthoses and insoles that have to be worn for a year until the symptoms disappear. Insoles are the simplest and most affordable option, but they only help up to the age of 18, that is, until the arch of the foot is completely formed. So it is better not to delay with this type of treatment. To everyone who is late with insoles

What fitness will give
If you have O-shaped curvature of the legs, it is better to ski, skate, skate, do body ballet and swim.

With an X-shaped curvature, you need to ride a bicycle a lot, master horse riding and swim, mainly with breaststroke. Such sports help correct muscle imbalances and stabilize joints. They also tone the leg muscles and improve gait.

Leg exercises
If the reason for the curvature of the legs lies in flat feet, they are offered to correct the shape of the feet.
For O-shaped curvature, they help:
bringing your legs together and spreading them (in the absence of a special exercise machine, you can use towels: stand on them and move apart);
swings, standing sideways to a support or lying down;
squats in ballet inversion positions and walking with toes apart.

For X-shaped deformity, try:

, when the legs are shoulder-width apart, the feet are parallel, and the knees are above the feet;
exercises in the “Butterfly” position, when the knees are spread apart and the soles are connected, or sitting in an oriental position;
walking with emphasis on the outer arch of the foot.

Yoga “Smooth Legs”

There is also such a direction in yoga. There will be no result in a couple of sessions, but if you work out thoroughly, not forgetting to do the exercises at home, the effect will be noticeable. Iyengar yoga deals with correct body posture leading to anatomical perfection. Thanks to long-term practice, even bones can change, because the cells of the body are constantly renewed, which means that a new form can be formed.

Iyengar adds emphasis on leg alignment to the usual asanas. Here loads and tighten them with belts. They will also teach you how to hold the arch of your foot correctly so that you can walk and stand anatomically correctly in everyday life.

Exercises for curvature of legs

First, do the warm-up that is common for O-legs and X-legs - the muscles and ligaments should be well warmed up. All exercises are repeated 10-20 times.

Stand straight, feet parallel, shoulder-width apart. Raise your toes without lifting your feet from the floor, while straining as much as possible all the leg muscles that are involved in this movement.
Now, in the same position, tuck your toes under your feet, again with maximum muscle tension.
Heels together, toes apart. Slowly rise onto your toes, tensing the muscles of your legs, feet and thighs and spreading your heels out to the sides and bringing them together.
Now sit on a chair with your legs slightly apart, place your heels on the floor and lift your feet towards you. Turn your feet to the sides until you feel slight pain.
In the same starting position, extend your fingers, resting them on the floor. Slowly bring your heels together and apart.
Slightly spread your knees while sitting on a chair, and press your feet together, resting the outer sides on the floor. Now, tensing your muscles, roll your feet from heels to toes and back.
Lying on the mat, “ride a bicycle”, working hard with your feet for a minute.

Exercises for O-legs

Lying on your back, perform vigorous horizontal and then vertical scissors, gradually increasing the number of repetitions.
, bringing your knees together and stretching your arms forward. The back is straight, the squat is as deep as possible, and is performed slowly.
Get on your knees (knees together, toes pointed, feet out to the sides, hands on your waist). Slowly sit down on the floor and return to the starting position, tensing all the muscles in your buttocks and legs.
Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Without lifting your feet from the floor, bring your knees together and spread them apart.
Walk on the inside of your feet.

Exercises for X legs

Holding onto a window sill or the back of a chair, place your feet shoulder-width apart and try, helping yourself with your hand, to raise your knee higher and turn it back. Do the same with the other knee.
Sit cross-legged and press on the inner surface of your knees with your palms, trying to touch the outside of your knees to the floor.
Now sit with your feet together in front of you in the Butterfly pose and again press hard on your knees, pressing them to the floor.
Lie on your stomach in the frog pose, bringing your feet together as in Butterfly, with your knees apart. Lie in this position for 3 to 15 minutes.
Again the same “frog”, but on your back: tense your leg muscles and try to touch the floor with the outside of your knees.
Sitting in the “Butterfly”, take several “steps” with your hands on the floor in front of you, tilting your body forward, then just as slowly “step” back.
Walk on the outside of your feet.

All of the above, after a few months of exercise, will make your legs visually (and actually) straighter, and, perhaps, completely get rid of slight bow legs.

Crooked legs are a defect that occurs in many women and men. This is normal in childhood. But over time, for girls and women, such a defect as crooked and ugly legs can bring a lot of inconvenience and complexes. Doctors distinguish between O-shaped legs (varus curvature) and X-shaped curvature of the legs (valgus).

An imperfect leg shape may not mean that you have crooked legs. Therefore, first you need to figure out whether you really have such a defect. You can determine the presence of curvature at home yourself. Stand up straight with your back completely against the wall (shoulders, buttocks and heels should be firmly pressed against the plane).

Look carefully at your reflection in the mirror. The norm is legs that touch each other in four places: mid-thigh, knees, mid-calf and heels. In some cases, excessive thinness or fatness can affect the visible picture and there may be fewer or more “windows”.

If there are no deviations according to the indicated indicators, then the problem you are considering is most likely far-fetched. The same cannot be said if the number of gaps is more or less. In this case, you need to see a doctor who can accurately determine the problem. The types of leg curvature are described in the table.

The reasons why leg curvature occurs can be varied.

The main reason is heredity. If one of the parents has a similar defect, then the likelihood that the child will also have crooked legs is very high. Lack of calcium and vitamin D in the body can also lead to leg deformities.

In adulthood, the disease can appear in women as a result of pregnancy. X-shaped legs provide better pelvic support when carrying a child. In men, X-shaped legs are often caused by obesity. Also, X-shaped legs in men can be associated with regular weight lifting.

Professional participation in certain sports can also lead to the defect in question (for example, in male football players). Congenital or acquired weakness of the muscles and ligaments of the lower extremities are also common causes of the problem. Lack of regular physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle are the main factors that lead to the development of the disease.

Features of X-shaped and O-shaped curvatures

X-shaped legs and O-shaped legs are very common problems among millions of adults. Crooked legs are not only a cosmetic defect. In addition to worries and excessive focus on such a flaw as crooked legs, it can also have a serious negative impact on the health of the entire body.

The fact is that with such deformation, the load on the knee joints is distributed unevenly, which leads to wear on one side of the cartilage. It can even cause a person's disability. An X or O curve can also cause flat feet.

A slight inward bending of the knees is normal. The angle of deviation of the shin in men is about 7 degrees. In women it is greater – up to 10 degrees. With an X-shaped curvature, the knees are tightly adjacent to each other, and there is a large distance between the ankles. O-shaped curvature of the legs is characterized by contact of the limbs only in the area of the feet.

Crooked legs are a normal condition in a child. The knee joint becomes deformed in such a way that the ends of the femur and tibia bend inward or outward. But it is necessary to constantly monitor the development of pathology and undergo regular examinations with a doctor. Up to 14 years of age, a child’s skeleton can be corrected with the help of special exercises, massages and orthopedic devices.

U For adult women and men, correction of the defect is carried out only through surgery. False curvature of the legs is characterized by a curvature of soft tissue rather than bone. Insufficient muscle volume visually bends the legs and spoils their appearance. In such cases, exercises in the gym are used to pump up unexpressed or weak muscles.

It is impossible to build muscles under the knee. Therefore, the cavity is filled with a silicone implant, which is installed during plastic surgery. But such an operation is completely optional, and is carried out only if any imperfections prevent a person from living. Surgical intervention for true curvature is necessary in most cases.

The main means of combating this problem for many decades has been the Ilizarov apparatus. Before installing the device, the bone is dissected, which is then fixed with this device in the anatomically correct position.

It’s good when a person doesn’t have any complexes about his appearance, but he must be attentive to his body. At the slightest manifestations and alarming symptoms, you should consult a doctor. This is especially important in childhood, when it is still possible to improve the situation without resorting to surgery.

True X-shaped curvature (valgus deformity) is manifested by the presence of a distance between the feet with the knees tightly closed in a free stance.

Classification of leg shape (Artemyev A.A., 2001):

True X-shaped curvature (valgus deformity);

Below is a video on how to fix crooked legs

Correction of X-shaped legs. Part 1. Dangers and consequences

Correction of X-shaped legs. Part 2. At what age should surgery be performed?

What is X-shaped curvature

This classification allows you to independently determine the shape of your legs and make a decision about correcting the curvature.

The “ideal” shape of the legs involves the closure of the knees, calves and feet and the presence of three spaces between them.

True X-shaped curvature is manifested by the presence of a distance between the feet with the knees tightly closed in a free stance. Conventionally, we can assume that an axis deviation of 10-15° is a cosmetic problem, and more than 15° is an orthopedic problem. With pronounced curvature, we are already talking about valgus deformity.

How common are X legs?

The shape of the legs is an ethnic characteristic. X-shaped curvature of the legs is more common among residents of European countries. Owners of such legs seek surgical correction approximately 10-15 times less frequently than those with O-shaped curvature of the legs.
It is difficult to say how often X-legs occur among all people, but men resort to the services of surgeons approximately 2-3 times more often than women.

Manifestations and consequences of valgus curvature of the lower extremities

An interesting observation is noteworthy: in trousers, legs with slight valgus deformity appear straight. Straight legs, especially in thin people, look a little like wheels in trousers. With severe hallux valgus, X-shaped legs, on the contrary, are not only very noticeable in trousers, but even make it difficult to wear clothes. A very common reason for seeking surgical help, especially among men, is problems in choosing fashionable clothing.

Valgus deformity upon in-depth examination is accompanied by underdevelopment of the condyles of the femur or tibia, as well as flat feet. With age, these features can lead to the development and progression of various pathological conditions, and therefore require as early correction as possible.

Three options for correcting the shape of the legs

You can rest assured that we will make perfect legs in almost any case. The point is how long this process will take. We offer three ways to correct leg varus deformity:

Ilizarov correction (see details below);
Express method;
Improved express method.

Express methods involve fixation with a pin, which significantly reduces rehabilitation time - in fact, you can begin active rehabilitation within 19 days after surgery.

If you think you have false curvature -

Features of correction of X-shaped legs

The principle of surgical treatment is the same as for - only the direction of displacement is exactly the opposite.

During the correction process, you can lengthen your legs to improve your appearance.

Surgical correction of the lower leg is technically simpler and has much fewer complications than surgery on the hip. However, with severe valgus deformity, it is necessary to correct the specific segment that is curved.

Considering that the principle of correction of X-shaped curvature of the legs is the same as for , the main features of the operation and postoperative management, as well as the cost of treatment, are the same for the treatment of both types of deformity.

Additional information and frequently asked questions

At the decision-making stage and during the correction process, additional questions often arise. The answers to them are . Here you can find out what kind of examination you need to undergo before the operation, how to take photos correctly for an absentee consultation, and much more.

Hallux valgus is often understood as a deformity of the foot, including the first (big) toe (hallux valgus). Both valgus deviation of 1 toe and deformation (valgus and varus) of the knee joints are phenomena of the same order. They refer to static deformations, and the reason lies in the peculiarities of the development of connective tissue. This cannot be considered a pathology. In many cases these are developmental features. However, with age, such deformities can lead to serious problems. If one of these diseases is detected, additional examination is necessary to identify other deformities.

Such static deformations can be detected in early childhood. The child must undergo additional examination to exclude any pathology. If you suspect a child, you should see an orthopedist at least once a year.

The problem of crooked legs affects both women and men. It has an equally unpleasant effect on the level of comfort in society, and also threatens athletic achievements and joint health. When faced with this problem, you are unlikely to be able to get rid of the obsessive thought of what you can do to improve your situation. And today we will help you find out how to correct crooked legs and decide on a strategy to fight.

Determining the type of curvature

At first glance, it may seem that diagnosing crooked legs is a simple matter, especially since society, with its sidelong glances and caustic comments, can hardly be wrong. And, nevertheless, the curvature can be different, and the proposed exercises and operations will greatly depend on its type. You can try to determine the type yourself at home, but we advise you to consult a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis and detailed recommendations.

False curvature

Description

When the calf muscles are insufficiently or disproportionately developed, and the leg bones are not deformed, your problem is false curvature of the legs. The reason may also lie in the unevenness of fat deposits. This curvature is most often very noticeable on thin legs, but is not limited exclusively to them.

: high

Straightening methods

Exercises to correct the shape of the calves. Due to their weakness and small volume, the legs are below the knees and appear crooked.
Work on your posture. If you are used to slouching and constantly pushing your pelvis slightly forward, crooked legs may be partly the result of poor posture.
Cruroplasty. The appearance of the calf muscles is corrected using silicone implants, which will 100% correct the curvature of the legs.
Lipofilling. If the exercises do not produce a noticeable effect, but you do not like the idea of implanting a foreign object into your calves, you can resort to a procedure for correcting the shape of your calves by injecting your own fat tissue.

X curvature

Description

If, when you stand straight, your knees touch but your feet don't, you may be diagnosed with X-shaped bow legs. In this case, the problem is not the muscle or fat and their distribution, but the shape of your bones. If you're reading this article because you're concerned about the appearance of your baby's legs, don't panic: X and O curves are often a natural part of lower limb development and eventually fade away. More common in women than in men.

Possibility of fixing it at home

Straightening methods

A set of exercises to strengthen the abductor muscles will counteract the force that pulls the knees inward. More suitable for prevention, has a slight straightening effect.
Stretching. Also works to strengthen muscles and tendons. It is not able to correct the root cause, which is the curvature of the bone. However, paired with exercises it can help if there are no indications for surgery.
Orthopedic surgery. The only method that guarantees correction of curvature of the legs with deformed bones. Requires consultation with a doctor and indications for surgery.

O curvature

Description

If your knees don't close when you stand straight, but your feet move together smoothly, you probably have O-shaped bow legs. Often found in men, it is nicknamed “footballer's legs.” In this case, an independent diagnosis may be incorrect: mild cases of O curvature may be very similar to a false one, and vice versa. It is advisable to consult a doctor before starting exercises, because they are aimed at completely different muscle groups.

Possibility of fixing it at home: none for severe, low for moderate, medium for mild curvature.

Straightening methods

A set of exercises for the adductor muscles, which will counteract the outward curvature of the knees.
Stretching is in addition to exercises that will act, as in the previous case, to strengthen muscles and ligaments.
Orthopedic surgery, which at the moment, unfortunately, is the only way to correct the curvature of the bones.

In this article we talk about how to correct crooked legs at home using available exercises. That's why if you're considering surgery, it's worth contacting your doctors for an accurate diagnosis and advice.

The essence of all exercises against false curvature comes down to pumping up the calves, and on the Internet you will find hundreds of fancy exercises. We advise you to take one thing as a basis: something with which you can ensure muscle growth and correct your problem. The main thing is to do it correctly.

So, let's try to master the only effective exercise for adding volume to the calves - calf raises. “Well, I’ll definitely be able to get up on my toes,” you think, jumping up from your chair and starting to do lifts. Do not hurry. There are several nuances to this exercise.

Repetitions. In many anti-curvature exercises you will see calls to do 50 reps or more on each set, but this tactic may not help increase muscle size. Reduce repetitions to 15-18 and do 3 such sets.
Weight . Neither men nor women will have enough weight to pump up their muscles, no matter how much dumbbells and weights frighten the latter. 20 kg in the form of two dumbbells that you just need to hold in your hands is absolutely a lifting weight for the average woman, well, or you can use any calf machine. It is better for men to use exercise machines so as not to hold large weights in their hands, because it is not very convenient.
Refusal . The calves are worked to failure, which means that the last repetition of each approach should be very difficult and accompanied by a barely tolerable burning sensation. Is it easy for you? Then increase the weight. After the approach, stretch your calves a little and rest until the burning stops completely.
Stretch at the bottom. There is no point in doing calf raises on a flat surface, as the range of motion will be too small. Your calves need to be able to stretch, and to do that you need to have some headroom to go below horizontal. The machines always have a special support that will allow you to move your heel down, and if you are doing an exercise with free weights, stand on a step or step platform to ensure a reserve of movement.
Knees . Don't stick your knees in if you don't want joint problems. This advice is especially relevant for men who lift heavy weights. Always keep your knees slightly bent or in a natural bend position. This way, the struggle for proportional calves will not result in an unpleasant injury.
Leg positioning. Depending on the position of the legs, different parts of the calf muscle are included in the work. We are interested in its inner part, to work it out you will need to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and turn your toes slightly outward.

Exercises to strengthen X-shaped legs

Let us repeat that these exercises for curvature of the bone will not have the most pronounced effect and will not be comparable to surgery, but they will definitely strengthen crooked legs and serve as a preventative for the worsening of the situation. For X-shaped legs, we will work the abductor muscles, or, as they are called in everyday life, the outer surface of the thigh. All exercises are available to perform at home and are presented in order of increasing difficulty.

Swing your leg to the side. They can be done either in a knee-elbow position, or lying on your side, or even standing. Take the starting position and, using a conscious muscle contraction, move your leg to the side (or up if you are lying) with the toe pulled towards you. Do not “throw” your leg to the side due to inertia. Let the number of repetitions be less, but they will be of high quality. You can also use weights or a cable block if you are doing the exercise in the gym.
Side lunges. Starting position: feet shoulder-width apart, arms extended in front of you or holding weights. Now take a wide step to the side, bend your supporting leg and squat down, moving your pelvis back. Repeat the same for the other leg. Don't lift your heels off the ground! The entire weight of the body should fall on them. Number of repetitions for each leg: 3 sets of 10-12 times.
Squats. Squats work your entire legs, and your outer thighs won't be spared. An ideal solution for men and women without major problems with excess weight and health.

Exercises to strengthen your O-shaped legs

For O-shaped legs, we will strengthen the adductor muscles, or the inner surface of the thigh. The complex is suitable for legs without indications for surgery. The exercises again proceed in increasing complexity.

Swing your leg. Standing on one leg, place your free leg behind or in front of your supporting leg. It is important that the tension in the target muscle is clearly felt. Do 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions on each leg. If it's easy for you, you can safely add weights. Lying down, you can do “scissors”, bringing your straight legs together and spreading them, or, if you lie on your side, lift your lower leg with your toes pulled towards you. Swings are more suitable for girls just starting out or people with poor health.
Lunges forward. Classic lunges are great for engaging the adductors, but it's important to do them correctly: your body weight should be on the heel of your front foot, and your knee shouldn't extend too far beyond your toes. Stand up without jerking and try to tense your buttocks to avoid damaging your knee joint.
Plie squats. When you squat with your legs wide, you place more emphasis on your inner thighs than usual. Men can do deadlifts with a wide stance.

Well, you can start correcting your crooked legs without resorting to surgery! Most importantly, do not forget about the correct exercise technique and the importance of consulting a doctor.

– a pathological condition in which the legs are bent at an angle that is open inwards. Typically, this pathology occurs due to an arched or, less commonly, angular curvature of the legs, resulting from congenital malformations or diseases characterized by a decrease in the strength of bone tissue. Accompanied by compensatory deformation of other parts of the lower extremities, especially the feet. The diagnosis is made based on examination, radiography, CT, MRI and other studies. Treatment can be either conservative or surgical.

Pathanatomy

Normally, all newborns have a slight arched curvature of the legs (up to 20 degrees), due to the intrauterine position of the fetus. In this case, the child’s legs are symmetrical, but the shape and position of the feet may be asymmetrical. By the age of 2, the O-shaped deformity disappears and is gradually replaced by an X-shaped (valgus) one. A slight valgus curvature of the legs (up to 15 degrees) persists for up to 3 years, and then begins to decrease and by the age of 8 does not exceed 7-9 degrees. Subsequently, both the complete disappearance of the curvature and the preservation of a slight residual angle are possible.

Varus curvature, which persists beyond the age of 2 years, is a cause of abnormal development of the knee joints. The external condyle of the femur increases, the internal one decreases. The joint space becomes uneven - narrowed inside and widened outside. The inner meniscus is compressed, the ligaments along the outer surface of the joint are stretched. Initially, the feet take a flat-varus position, their anterior sections and heels deviate inward. Subsequently, a compensatory flatvalgus deformity of the feet is formed. In severe cases, the tibia rotates inward and the hips rotate outward. Flexion in the knee joints is limited. Gait disturbances and rapid fatigue when walking occur. Due to a shift in the center of gravity, load redistribution and other pathological changes, children with O-shaped legs change their posture, and sometimes develop curvature of the spine (kyphosis or scoliosis).

Causes

The cause of unilateral O-shaped deformity in infancy is usually congenital hypoplasia caused by neurofibromatosis or fibrocystic dysplasia of the tibia. In contrast to physiological varus curvature, with this pathology, uneven deformation is observed (one lower leg is more curved than the other). The outcome of congenital hypoplasia of the leg bones can be pseudarthrosis.

Traditionally, one of the first places on the list of causes of O-shaped legs is rickets. And although this pathology is quite rare in pediatrics these days, it can occur, so it should always be excluded during differential diagnosis. It should be taken into account that rickets can develop in three periods of a child’s life: in utero (that is, congenital), at an early age and in adolescence. The cause of fetal rickets is vitamin D deficiency in the mother. Currently, this pathology is detected mainly in economically disadvantaged countries.

Infantile rickets occurs after stopping breastfeeding. At this stage of development, the child’s body requires a large amount of vitamin D. If the baby does not receive this vitamin in sufficient quantities, his bones become insufficiently strong and gradually bend when walking. An O-shaped curvature of both the legs and hips is possible. In some cases, an asymmetrical deformity is observed: varus curvature on one side is combined with valgus curvature on the other side. Anterior bending can also form - the so-called saber shins. Moreover, in contrast to damage to the legs with syphilis, when the legs are bent only anteriorly, a combination of deformation in the lateral and anteroposterior directions is observed.

Another critical age at which the likelihood of developing rickets increases is the period of intensive growth in adolescents. The cause of the deformation is a lack of exposure to the sun, a deficiency of vitamin D in food, unfavorable living conditions and some diseases. There is persistent late rickets, which, unlike the usual form of the disease, does not respond to treatment with standard doses of vitamin D. Persistent rickets develops due to genetic predisposition, chronic kidney disease and steatorrhea.

Intestinal rickets (rickets with steatorrhea) can occur with any type of long-term intestinal disorder. Occurs due to impaired absorption of fats, vitamins, phosphates and calcium. Similar disorders can be detected in adults, but in the latter case it is not rickets, but osteomalacia. The cause of the development of renal rickets is chronic kidney diseases that interfere with the retention of phosphates and calcium in the blood serum. With renal rickets, valgus deformity is most often observed, but an O-shaped curvature is also possible.

Another reason for the formation of O-shaped legs is Blount's disease (deforming osteochondrosis of the tibia). With this disease, there is not an arched curvature, as with rickets, but an angular curvature of the leg with the apex of the deformity at the level of the proximal epiphysis. At an early age (2-4 years), with Blount's disease, as a rule, bilateral curvature is detected; at an older age, only one lower leg may be curvature.

In adults, O-shaped legs can form due to Paget's disease (osteitis deformans), accompanied by damage to the femur and tibia. It is possible to damage both several and one bone, but more often several bones are involved in the process. The curvature is caused by excessive growth of bone tissue with insufficient destruction. In this case, the newly formed bone does not have sufficient strength due to incomplete calcification. It thickens and at the same time becomes soft, resulting in curvature and transverse fractures.

Diagnostics

Depending on their age, an adult orthopedist and a pediatric orthopedic traumatologist can diagnose patients with O-shaped legs. The most important task when examining patients with O-shaped legs is to identify the underlying disease that caused the deformity. When making a diagnosis, the clinical picture, features of the curvature, the age at which the first symptoms appeared, heredity and the condition of other organs and systems are taken into account. All patients with O-shaped legs are prescribed radiography of the legs. If there is concomitant deformation of the upper limbs, an additional x-ray of the hips is performed; if compensatory changes in other parts of the limbs are suspected, x-rays of the hip joints and x-rays of the feet are performed.

To exclude rickets, the levels of alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus and calcium are studied in blood tests. If persistent forms of rickets caused by kidney and gastrointestinal diseases are suspected, the patient is referred for consultation to a nephrologist and gastroenterologist. To exclude Blount's disease and Paget's disease, radiographs are examined, and if necessary, MRI and CT scans of the legs are additionally prescribed. To identify hereditary predisposition, family history is studied in detail.

Treatment of O-shaped legs

At an early age, patients are prescribed complex conservative therapy. Exercise therapy, massage, individual orthoses and specially made orthopedic insoles are used. According to indications, treatment of the underlying disease is carried out. It should be borne in mind that correction of O-shaped deformity without eliminating its causes may be ineffective and in some cases even leads to the progression of the curvature, the formation of false joints, etc.

In adults, only surgical correction of the shape of the legs is possible. Usually, for O-shaped legs, a corrective osteotomy is performed in combination with the application of an Ilizarov apparatus. Incomplete osteotomy (dissection of the bone only along the inner surface) is used for true O-shaped curvature and a favorable distribution of the soft tissues of the lower leg from an aesthetic point of view. In other cases, a complete osteotomy is used. Depending on the magnitude and nature of the deformation, both immediate and gradual elimination of the curvature is possible. In the first case, the patient’s shins are immediately brought into the correct position; in the second, the relative position of the fragments is corrected by gradually “unscrewing” the nuts and increasing the distance between the rings on the inside. In the postoperative period, exercise therapy and physical therapy are prescribed. Usually it takes about 2 months to correct the shape of the legs, but with severe deformities this period may increase.