Bow-Legged (Genu Varum): What It Is and How Physiotherapy Can Help at Any Age

Bow-legged posture, medically known as genu varum, is a condition where the knees stay wide apart when standing with the feet together. This causes the legs to curve outward, creating a bow-shaped appearance. While bow-leggedness is common in infants and young children, it can also affect teenagers, adults, and seniors.

At Toronto Wellness & Physio Center in Richmond Hill, our experienced physiotherapists provide personalized physiotherapy treatment for bow-legged conditions at any age, helping improve alignment, movement, strength, and long-term joint health.

What Is Bow-Legged (Genu Varum)?

Genu varum occurs when the alignment of the lower limbs shifts outward at the knees. When standing straight with ankles together, a visible gap remains between the knees.

Bow-legged alignment can affect:

• Walking and running mechanics

• Knee, hip, and ankle joints

• Balance and posture

• Long-term joint health

If left untreated, genu varum may increase the risk of knee pain, osteoarthritis, joint stress, and uneven muscle loading.

Common Causes of Bow-Legged Legs

Bow-legged posture can develop for several reasons, including:

In Children

• Normal growth and development (usually resolves naturally)

• Vitamin D deficiency or rickets

• Early walking patterns

In Adolescents & Adults

• Muscle imbalances

• Poor biomechanics and posture

• Sports-related stress

• Previous injury or trauma

• Knee joint degeneration

• Obesity or uneven weight distribution

In Older Adults

• Osteoarthritis of the knee

• Progressive joint wear and tear

• Long-term poor alignment

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in non-surgical management of genu varum, especially when caused or worsened by muscular and biomechanical factors.

Symptoms Associated with Genu Varum

People with bow-legged posture may experience:

• Knee pain or stiffness

• Hip or ankle discomfort

• Uneven shoe wear

• Difficulty walking or running

• Poor balance

• Early joint fatigue

• Increased risk of knee osteoarthritis

Even if pain is mild or absent, early physiotherapy treatment can help prevent future complications.

How Physiotherapy Treats Bow-Legged (Genu Varum)

Physiotherapy does not “change bone structure,” but it is highly effective in correcting functional alignment, muscle imbalance, and movement patterns that contribute to bow-legged posture.

At Toronto Wellness & Physio Center in Richmond Hill, physiotherapy treatment for genu varum may include:

✔ Detailed Postural & Gait Assessment

• Lower limb alignment analysis

• Walking and movement evaluation

✔ Muscle Strengthening

• Hip abductors and adductors

• Quadriceps and hamstrings

• Core and pelvic stabilizers

✔ Stretching Tight Structures

• Inner thigh muscles

• Calf and hamstring tightness

• Hip flexors

✔ Neuromuscular Re-Education

• Correct movement patterns

• Improve knee tracking

• Enhance balance and coordination

✔ Manual Therapy

• Joint mobilization

• Soft tissue release

✔ Functional Training

• Sport-specific or daily activity training

• Injury prevention strategies

Physiotherapy can significantly reduce pain, improve leg alignment during movement, and slow joint degeneration.

Can Physiotherapy Help Bow-Leggedness at Any Age?

Yes. Physiotherapy is beneficial at all ages.

• Children: Helps guide proper movement patterns and muscular development

• Teenagers: Improves biomechanics during growth and sports

• Adults: Reduces pain, improves function, and prevents progression

• Seniors: Manages arthritis, improves mobility, and reduces fall risk

Early assessment leads to better long-term outcomes, but it’s never too late to benefit from physiotherapy.

Why Choose Toronto Wellness & Physio Center in Richmond Hill?

✔ Experienced registered physiotherapists
✔ One-on-one customized treatment plans
✔ Evidence-based physiotherapy care
✔ Treatment for children, adults, and seniors
✔ Focus on long-term joint health and prevention
✔ Convenient Richmond Hill location

At Toronto Wellness & Physio Center, we focus on treating the root cause of bow-legged alignment, not just the symptoms.

Book Physiotherapy for Bow-Legged (Genu Varum) in Richmond Hill

If you or your child has bow-legged posture, knee pain, or alignment concerns, professional physiotherapy care can make a real difference.

👉 Book your physiotherapy session at Toronto Wellness & Physio Center in Richmond Hill today and take the first step toward healthier movement and stronger joints.