- Tests to identify the varus knee
- What treatment options are available
- Examples of varus knee exercises
- 1. Exercise to strengthen the side of the thigh
- 2. Exercise to strengthen the gluteus
- 3. Exercise to strengthen the back of the leg
- What are the possible causes of varus knee
- What other symptoms can arise
The varus knee is a condition where the knees are kept apart even when the person is able to touch one ankle against the other. This usually happens because the tibia is not correctly aligned with the femur, giving a different shape to the leg line. It is also known as geno varo or “cowboy legs”.
Thus, the varus knee is exactly the opposite of the valgus knee, where the legs are turned inwards, and the knees are always in contact, even when the person tries to spread the legs. See more about the valgus knee and how it is corrected.
The treatment for varus knee, which is more common in men, varies according to the cause and, therefore, it is very important to consult an orthopedist to assess the degree of the change, the problem that is at its origin and, thus, decide what is the best treatment option.
Tests to identify the varus knee
In consultation with the specialist, the formation of the varus knee can be observed, but in order to know its severity, it is common for the orthopedist to request exams such as:
- X-ray of the legs, standing; X-ray of the knees from the front and from the side;
Less common are Computed Axial Tomography (CT), MRI and Nuclear Magnetic (NMR) examinations.
Blood tests may be ordered if a disease is suspected.
What treatment options are available
Treatment to correct distant knees can be indicated when:
- If the person has Blount's disease: surgery from grade III of the disease is indicated; If the person has pain in the legs or knees; If there is difficulty walking or running; If the patella is not well aligned in the center of the knee; if there is instability in the knee due to flaccid ligaments; if there is concern about physical appearance.
Since there are several causes for the development of varus knee, treatment can vary from one person to another. Thus, the most important thing is to always consult an orthopedist to not only confirm the diagnosis, but also to identify the cause of the problem and start the most appropriate treatment. Some of the most used treatment options include:
- Supplementation of calcium and vitamin D: it is used mainly in cases of lack of these nutrients in the body to strengthen bones, as in cases of rickets; Muscle strengthening exercises: should be done with a physical therapist to make the leg muscles stronger and to help align the legs; Surgery: it is used in more advanced cases, when the other techniques do not cause any change in the alignment of the legs
Surgery usually helps to adjust the shape of the bones to reduce pressure on the joint and allow the tibia to be re-aligned with the femur. Since it is a very invasive technique, recovery can take a long time, and it may take up to 8 months before it is possible to return to daily activities.
Examples of varus knee exercises
Exercises to help correct the varus knee should always be guided by a physical therapist after physical evaluation, because there is an increase in the strength of the muscles of the inner thigh, the femur is in abduction and the tibia is excessively rotated out. Thus, in most cases it is necessary to strengthen the muscles of the lateral part of the thigh, the back of the leg and the gluteus. Therefore, some of the exercises used can be:
1. Exercise to strengthen the side of the thigh
A great exercise to make the lateral thigh muscles stronger and also the middle gluteus is to lie on your side and position your foot behind the knee of the opposite leg. The movement that must be done is similar to opening a shell, and therefore you must open and close your knees as shown in the image.
2. Exercise to strengthen the gluteus
In the case of varus knee, it is also very important to strengthen the gluteus maximus and, for this, a good exercise consists of standing on the floor with 4 supports and then raising one leg towards the ceiling. This movement should be done slowly and repeated between 8 to 10 times, for 3 sets, with each leg.
3. Exercise to strengthen the back of the leg
One of the best ways to strengthen the muscles at the back of the leg is by using a shin pad to do this exercise, however, it is also possible to attach some kind of weight to the ankle area, such as a bean pack, for example.
To do the exercise, you must stand and support one hand against the wall, or on a chair, and then, with your knees together, bend your leg back without separating your knees. This exercise should be done between 8 to 10 times with each leg, for 3 sets.
What are the possible causes of varus knee
The varus knee is very common in young children and can be seen shortly after birth, being a physiological condition that usually corrects itself until 2 years of age, without the need for treatment. Sometimes, it can remain until 8 years of age, without the need for specific treatment, although it has to be evaluated by the pediatrician, orthopedist and physiotherapist, at this stage.
Other possible causes are:
- Birth change that continues over the years; Strong knocks on the knee; Bone infections; Bone tumors; Diseases such as rickets, achondroplasia, Paget or Blount.
Usually the varus knee is identified up to 10 years of age, but it can also happen in adults due to joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, for example. Often, when the varus knee appears until the age of 2, it is possible that the correction of the deformity will naturally foul with the development of the bones, without the need for any specific treatment.
What other symptoms can arise
In addition to the visible deformity of the legs, some people may experience pain when walking, especially in the inner knee. These symptoms are more rare in children, as the joints adapt to the change, causing no pain.
