What causes the following symptom: "Bow legs"?

Generally, the symptom "Bow legs" can be related to: osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis (OA), Lumbar spondylosis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Rickets Vitamin D deficiency

Which other symptoms can occur along with the following symptom: "Bow legs"?

The symptom "Bow legs" can occur along with the following: (1) Legs shaped like an "O". (2) Genu varum

Bow Legs
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Reviewed By:

Kent C Doan, MD (Orthopedic surgery)

Dr Doan Graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Colorado. He completed additional fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the prestigious Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. He is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in complex and revision knee and shoulder surgery at the Kansas City Orthopedic Institute. He also holds an assistant professorship at the University of Kansas City.

Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedic surgery)

Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.

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Congenital genu varum

Bow legs

Legs curve outward at the knees

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Legs shaped like an "O"
Genu varum

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Content updated on Nov 26, 2023

About the symptom

Bowed legs is a condition where one or both of the legs curve outward at the knees. It is also called genu varum.

When to see a doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

Low back pain

Possible causes

osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that makes your bones weak and brittle, resulting in the bone to fracture easily even with minor trauma or stress (for instance, after a simple fall). It may be caused due to long-term low calcium intake, estrogen deficiencies in women, and an inactive lifestyle.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Wear and tear of the joint cartilage over time. Risk factors include repetitive joint movements and carrying heavy loads for many years.
Lumbar spondylosis
A condition in which the lower backbone (lumbar spine) becomes damaged due to wear and tear of the intervertebral disks. Risk factors include repetitive back strain, carrying heavy loads, and obesity.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rickets Vitamin D deficiency

Questions your doctor may ask about this symptom

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom

Do you have bow legs? (the legs curve outward at the knees while the feet and ankles touch)
Is the affected area red?
Is the affected area swollen?
Do you have a fever?
Do you feel fatigued?