Correction of shaped legs. How to make crooked legs straighter

Exercises for O-shaped curvature of the legs are an effective therapeutic technique that, with a regular and systematic approach to exercise, will help to correct and correct their shape without surgical intervention. How to overcome curvature lower limbs with help therapeutic exercises? What exercises will be most effective and how to do them correctly?

Characteristics of the problem

Bow legs are a common problem that can have many causes. Experts distinguish 2 types of curvature of the lower extremities:

1. X-shaped curvature is a leg deformity in which the patient cannot connect the ankles if the hips are closed.
2. O-shaped curvature is a deformation of the internal contour of the limbs (from the ankle to the perineum). When the patient connects his legs together, they resemble a wheel in appearance.

It is necessary to combat curvature of the lower limbs. The problem not only causes the patient psychological discomfort and reduces self-esteem, but also negatively affects the gait, as well as the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

According to medical experts, curvature of the legs, the appearance of which is due to hereditary, genetic reasons or traumatic injuries, is practically impossible to correct. This problem can only be dealt with through surgical intervention.

However, in all other cases, physical therapy exercises can bring very tangible, impressive results. According to Irina Krasikova, gymnastics will be especially effective in case of curvature of the legs in young patients, because their bone tissues are soft and highly elastic and respond well to external influences.

Regular and conscientious exercise will also help adult patients. After about a year of training, your leg will become much slimmer and smoother!

When is therapeutic exercise needed?

Curvature of the legs is a cosmetic defect, usually noticeable to the naked eye. However, before starting classes, it is recommended to make sure that you really need correction.

For these purposes, you need to stand up straight, with your limbs closed, and try to relax the muscle groups of the lower limbs as much as possible (it is advisable to perform the test while standing in front of a mirror). After this, take a close look at your feet. According to the established standard, the limbs should touch each other at the following points:

• feet;
• knees;
• middle ankle.

If the legs are deformed according to the 0-shaped type, then they touch in the crotch and heels. In the case of an x-shaped curvature, they are connected exclusively at the knees.

If you have identified obvious defects in the shape of your legs, then you need to deal with this problem. However, before starting exercise, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified orthopedic specialist, especially when we're talking about O small child or a teenager.

The benefits of gymnastics for curvature of the legs

In most situations, deformation and curvature of the lower extremities are caused by specific defects in bone tissue, weakening of the knee joint, or improper development of muscle groups of the lower extremities. Physiotherapy exercises in this case are aimed at achieving the following goals:

1. Strengthening weakened muscle groups of the lower extremities.
2. Correction of ligament functioning.
3. Rotate the knee joint into an anatomically correct position.

Thus, exercises help get rid of curvature of the legs. Moreover, according to numerous reviews from patients, with systematic daily training according to the regimen prescribed by a specialist, the results become noticeable within just a couple of months.

If you skip classes and do the exercises half-heartedly, gymnastics will have absolutely no effect. In addition, a preliminary consultation with an orthopedist is necessary, who will help develop an optimal set of exercises taking into account the age category and individual characteristics specific patient. Moreover, for some patients this type of activity may be completely prohibited if they have diseases for which any kind of exercise is contraindicated. increased load to the lower limbs.

Where to begin?

Experts recommend starting any exercises aimed at correcting the shape of the legs after the muscles are sufficiently prepared and warmed up. The optimal warm-up includes the following types exercises:

1. Standing on the floor, lift your toes, as if lifting them off the surface. At the same time, the foot is pressed harder against the surface.
2. Do the “Bicycle” exercise (up to 10 repetitions).
3. Sit on a chair and, with your legs apart, place your heels on the floor. Raise your feet and begin to alternately turn them from side to side.
4. Walk on your toes (3 to 5 minutes).
5. Stand up straight and begin to bend your toes, as if moving them under the foot area.

Corrective gymnastics

Now let's take a look effective complex exercises aimed at correcting legs with an o-shaped curvature:

1. Walk on the inside of your foot.
2. Do about 20 squats, keeping your toes as far apart as possible.
3. Stand up straight, lift your leg and move it as wide as possible to the side. Repeat the same exercise with the second one.
4. Sit with your hands on the floor and your legs straight. Begin to lift your limbs one at a time, while making sure that the leg remains perfectly level.
5. Lie on the floor, close your legs and begin to slowly raise and lower them. At the same time, make sure that your torso remains motionless.
6. Stand on one leg, straighten the other as much as possible and move it to the side. Do about 15 swings, then change the support and repeat the exercise.
7. Sit on the floor and clasp your leg with both palms, and then slowly lift it and try to hold this position for at least 5 seconds. After this, change limbs and repeat the exercise.
8. Lie on the floor on your side and alternately lift your straightened legs up.

The average workout duration should be at least half an hour. Start each session with a warm-up. You should train daily, and to achieve the fastest and most positive results Do this type of corrective gymnastics 2 times a day. When performing any exercises, try to keep your back as straight as possible and your stomach pulled in. Now let's take a quick look effective exercises at x - figurative legs Oh:

1. Do squats. Start with 15-20 repetitions, gradually increasing the number of approaches. Good effect give squats with a rubber ball pre-clamped between the ankles.
2. While standing, lunge with your leg to the side, pulling your toe as far as possible.
3. Go to outside feet (10 steps each).
4. Practice on the wall bars. Raising your legs on the floor stairs allows you to achieve very good results.
5. Lie on your stomach, spread your knees as far apart as possible, and then try to connect your feet together.

In order for corrective gymnastics to be extremely effective and efficient, it is important to follow the following recommendations of experts:

1. After each exercise, try to relax the muscle groups as much as possible.
2. Don't skip training.
3. Combine physical therapy with a course of corrective massage.
4. Visit the physical therapy room at least twice a year.
5. Take up sports such as swimming and figure skating.
6. Do some stretching and learn to do the splits.
7. Wear comfortable shoes.

O - shaped curvature - serious problem, which spoils the appearance and causes a lot of trouble. As a rule, this deficiency can be corrected through regular, systematic exercises in therapeutic corrective gymnastics. In order for the training to be most effective, it is recommended to select a set of exercises together with an orthopedic doctor or physical therapy instructor. A good effect is achieved by combining corrective gymnastics with massage and exercises. certain types sports

My legs are like . Thin, not the worst, but you can’t call them perfectly straight. I don’t know if Parker can boast of the combination, but it’s what gave me this shape. When I stand relaxed, my knees turn inward and my calves turn outward, and just below the knees there is quite a lot of space between my legs. And even lower, my shins meet my ankles, which are rolled inward, and form quite noticeable angles with them.

Why are your legs crooked?

Severe curvature from birth is a rare case: as a rule, most of the dissatisfied acquired “unsuccessful” legs in adolescence. “While a person is growing and the bones have not yet fully formed, the habit of walking and standing incorrectly - for example, putting weight on one leg - aggravates flat feet and causes disturbances in the bone growth zone,” says the “LIVE!” instructor. orthopedic traumatologist Ravi Kumar. “Both of these cause the curvature of the legs.”

Later, tight, uncomfortable shoes (which Sarah and I love so much!), and the characteristics of the profession (for example, a jumper or an automatic car driver who uses one leg much more than the other) can also play a role. And also excess weight, especially if it has increased sharply: under the weight of the entire “structure”, which presses not only from above, but also at angles, the joints can shift. “Like a stack of books if you push it at an angle,” explains yoga instructor Yulia Makarova.

It is believed that among women there are more owners of “X” legs: this form, especially popular among club-footed anime heroines, is even called the pose of female coquetry. The “o” shape is more common among men, who from time immemorial have sat on the animal’s rump. But, in general, this division is conditional. “Indian pedicabs have the straightest legs I’ve ever seen in my life,” says Yulia Makarova. “They walk a lot, which means their joints are mobile and their legs are strong.” The warm climate allows them to wear flip-flops all year round and not feel the pressure of tight shoes.” Sarah Jessica Parker and I have not been as lucky in this life as pedicabs, but we can improve the situation - after all, there are ways to improve the shape of our legs!

Crooked legs: plastic

Plastic surgery offers liposuction or lipomodelling: fat in problem areas can be removed or, conversely, increased by pinching it off from the abdomen or thighs. The operation lasts about an hour, full recovery takes up to two weeks. If this does not help, you can install silicone implants: They are inserted into an incision under the knee and placed between the muscles of the lower leg. But the consequences here are completely ridiculous: the implants, excuse me, may simply move out and have to be removed, and most importantly, you can never play sports with them again! In general, I didn’t find anything useful for myself here.

Crooked legs: orthopedics

During two years of work in the club “LIVE!” I developed the habit, usually not typical for young people, of sometimes thinking not only about appearance, but also about health. And in the case of legs, I have long suspected that the curvature is gradually, day after day, harming the entire body. “Yes, it harms the spine, joints, and, for example, nervous system, confirmed Ravi Kumar. — Cause and effect can change places here. For example, on the one hand, damage to the joints can lead to curvature of the shape of the legs, and on the other hand, the deformation itself can cause arthrosis or other joint diseases.”

Orthopedists can treat causes of leg curvature such as joint pathologies and flat feet. One person has to wear insoles, orthoses, bandages and other devices for a year, and another for ten years - until the symptoms disappear. “I walked with insoles at school and now I do,” I thought and was about to order a rescue for my feet at a price of 2,500 rubles. But it turned out to be too late. “After 18 years, when the arch of the foot has already formed, insoles will not fix anything,” Ravi Kumar delighted me. “They are prescribed only for pain due to improper foot position. For other adults, we recommend gymnastics to correct the shape of their legs.”

Crooked legs: fitness

Instructor "LIVE!" Tatyana Lisitskaya advises if you have an X-shaped curvature, ride a bike more, swim breaststroke and master horse riding. And on O-shaped legs it is better to skate and ski skating, do body ballet and also swim. All this helps eliminate muscle imbalances in the legs, stabilize joints, and improve gait by toning the leg muscles. There are also special ones - just for those cases when the reason for the curvature of the legs lies in flat feet.

How to fix your feet? Home exercises!

Also when O-shaped helps the legs:

Exercises for the adductor muscles of the thigh (bringing and spreading the legs while standing on towels; lifting the legs to the side while lying or standing sideways to the support; squeezing the legs of a chair with the knees and ankles);

Any exercises while sitting with your hands supporting you behind you (for example, leg lifts);

Abdominal exercises with fixation of an isotonic Pilates ring between the legs;

Exercises for eversion of the foot from body ballet (for example, squats in eversion positions) and walking in the toes apart position.

And if you have X-shaped legs, try:

Squats in a position in which the legs are shoulder-width apart, the feet are parallel, the knees are above the feet;

Exercises in the sitting position in the Eastern style, “butterfly” (knees to the sides, soles of the feet connected);

Walking on the outer arch of the foot.

Yoga

Among yogis, followers of the Iyengar school are especially interested in the problem of leg shape: in Moscow they even hold classes and seminars called “Straight Legs.” Having attended a couple of such classes, I, of course, did not change anything radically, but the girls in the group shared that they had been doing this for several years and the effect was noticeable.

Yogis, by aligning their legs, also try to eliminate imbalances in the tissues. “Muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, skin, bones change location due to changes in the position of the joints: for example, the bones of the lower leg, turned inward around their axis, can return to their place,” says Yulia Makarova. - And in order to influence this structure, we strive to make the flesh homogeneous. From extremes to optimal: hard areas are relaxed, soft areas are strengthened. Examine and feel the outer and inner surfaces of your legs - they are denser on the outside, like a protective shell. The more uniform the legs are, the smoother they will be.”

It is believed that bones can also change slightly due to practice. “The cells are renewed,” says Yulia Makarova, “which means a new form can be formed.”

The classes practice many familiar asanas, but add emphasis on leg alignment. The simplest example- stand in tadasana, squeeze a brick between your knees and, fixing it, line up the joints of your legs in one line. The props in the Iyengar technique provide a huge number of variations for alignment in various asanas: the legs are slightly tightened with belts and pulled out with weights. But you need to learn to hold the arch of the foot on your own - so that later, without any devices, Everyday life walk and stand correctly.

But here you need to know when to stop. “You can’t go too far: if you expand the metatarsus too hard with longitudinal flatfoot, a transverse one will appear,” says Yulia Makarova. — You shouldn’t overexert your legs. Muscles can be tense, relaxed, and their third state is toned. We are working precisely for this state.”

So, swimming, body ballet, skating, skiing and yoga - such prospects make both me and my legs very happy. In addition, since I became interested in this issue, I adjust the position of my joints and feet more often when I walk or stand.

Have you tried changing the shape of your legs? Do you know any ways?

Slender legs are the dream of all women in the world. But not everyone can boast of such luxury. Hence the embarrassment, complexes, meticulous selection of suitable clothes, etc. Not really slender legs- this is not a sentence. Rather, it is a small drawback, which in most cases can be completely eradicated.

What is the shape of your legs?

Ideal legs are those that have four points of contact when moving together:

• the first is in the hips,
• the second - in the knees,
• the third - in the middle of the shins,
• the fourth - in the ankles (heels).

If there is at least one deviation, then we turn to the following qualification:

• Shape X - legs have touching points at the hips and shins.
• Form O - the legs do not touch either at the shins or knees, only at the ankles (heels).

In order to determine the shape of your legs, you need to stand in front of the mirror with your legs closed so that you feel comfortable. If all four points of contact are clearly visible in the mirror, then the legs can safely be considered exemplary. In the case of partial contact, first of all, excessive fatness, thinness, or incorrect location of adipose tissue should be excluded. If none of these reasons are suitable, then there is a false curvature on the face.

The cause of true curvature is abnormal bone structure, usually congenital injuries, past illnesses bones and other ailments that create a defect in the structure of the skeleton. In this case, leg correction is possible only with the help of special surgical operations. With false curvature of the legs, the legs are imperfect soft fabrics. According to statistics, most women are given this diagnosis. IN similar cases There are plenty of ways to influence the situation.

Exercises to correct crooked legs naturally

Proper physical exercises performed regularly help to significantly reduce and sometimes completely eliminate false curvature. Moderate physical activity increases muscle mass, which helps get rid of the visual defect and evenly distribute soft tissue over the bone.

If problem area are calves, you should perform the following exercises:

1. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, hands on your waist and rise on your toes 8-10 times. Over time, you can lift with a load.
2. Perform foot presses on a special leg machine. You should start with 20 times, gradually increasing the number to 40-60
3. Run evenly up and down stairs or steps, each step must be carried out by lifting on the toes
4. Squats 20-40 times.
5. Flexion and extension of the legs while lying down using a simulator

When working on the calf muscles, you need to remember: the calves react little noticeably to physical activity. Naturally flat shins can be corrected by 1-2 centimeters. But even this is quite enough to achieve an excellent result.

Their positioning when walking plays a big role in the visual image of the legs. Beautiful, straight legs can be distorted by improper gait. Here you need to carefully monitor how your feet are placed correctly with each free step, and whether your knees touch when walking. If you look at your gait Special attention and regularly correct your foot placement, it will soon become a habit. You should also watch your posture. Smooth, beautiful posture and straight gait will model a more slender, beautiful image.

Exercises to correct curvature of the legs:

1. Take a lying position, stretch your legs straight. Spread them apart without bending your knees, without lifting them, and return to their original position. Cross your legs over your legs in the same lying position and bring your feet together. Keep your knees together and apart, your feet should be connected.
2. While in a lying position, bend your knees and begin to spread them to shoulder width and return to their starting position. Repeat the exercise 10-12 times. With your knees bent, draw numbers from one to ten in the air. Finally, massage your bent legs in the shin and thigh area.
3. Sit on the floor and lean on your elbows, continue to spread your legs in different directions, moving from heel to toe.
4. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, take three slow breaths in and out, and move on to the next exercises. Raise your leg bent at the knee and hug it with both hands. Smoothly lift your foot up and down 10-15 times. Change your leg. After performing the exercise with both legs, do the same, working your toes, being careful not to use your feet.
5. Get on your knees and slowly slide along the floor, spreading your knees in different directions and bringing them back to the starting position 10-15 times.
6. Sit on a chair, spread and close your legs, applying maximum resistance with your hands. Perform the exercise 16-20 times.
7. Sit down and spread your knees as far as possible, while
8. In this case, the socks should point inward. Stay in this position for as long as possible. Gradually increase the time.
9. At the end of the workout, begin to walk slowly in place, gradually transitioning to running. Running in place should be measured, breathing should be calm. As soon as the lungs begin to lose rhythm, the exercise should be stopped. Try to increase the load gradually.

When performing this set of exercises regularly, you should remember not to immediately take on the maximum load. Increase the duration, speed and number of exercises gradually. After three weeks of regular training, a clear result will be visible in the mirror. But don’t think that exercise will give you other muscles or bones. High-quality exercise can only correct your shape and slightly increase muscle mass.

Little tricks for false curvature of the legs

Women are endlessly demanding creatures. Therefore, very often, even after visual correction of the shape of the legs, the beauty remains dissatisfied in my own way. In this case, you can try to resort to little tricks when choosing clothes.

• Legs in the shape of a “P” will help model flared trousers and skirts. You should not dilute your wardrobe with tight silhouettes and items in dark shades.
• If your legs still vaguely resemble the letter "O", you should avoid knee-length skirts and shorts. Ideal length – to the floor and to the middle of the ankle
• Those with legs that touch only the knees should cover them. It is also not advisable to give preference to things that are flared from the knee.
• The following shoes are suitable for almost any type of feet: soft leather, suede, boots with various soft and voluminous decor with small heels. High heels will only emphasize and possibly worsen leg defects.
• Pants should be chosen from a denser material that holds its shape well and try to exclude chewed and whitened jeans from your wardrobe. But you can wear tights and leggings, but it is better to opt for large geometric or abstract designs.

Nutrition for false curvature of the legs

Beautiful legs need proper nutrition! Indeed, in order to bony skeleton And muscle mass existed harmoniously, they need proper nutrition. Eating protein, carbohydrates, vitamins groups B, E, as well as the complex minerals will benefit the proper formation of muscle and bone mass.

O-shaped curvature (varus deformity) is the most frequent occasion for cosmetic orthopedic correction of the shape of the legs (about 15-20 times more often than X-shaped curvature).

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

1. Perfect legs;
2. True O-shaped curvature (varus deformity);

Below is a video on how to fix crooked legs

What is O-shaped curvature

Using the classification, it is easy to independently determine what shape your legs are and decide whether something needs to be changed or not.

• Perfect legs. The knees, calves and feet close together, with three spaces between them.
• True O-shaped curvature (varus deformity). The knee joints do not close when the feet are closed, and a spindle-shaped defect of the internal contour is formed from the perineum to the feet.
• Associated with the distribution of soft tissues on the lower leg. With false curvature, the knees and feet close together, but the calves do not. As a result, a soft tissue defect is formed from the knees to the ankles, and the appearance of thin and crooked legs is created.
• - the knees close, the feet do not close.

It is very important that timely correction of shin deformities allows not only to achieve a very good aesthetic result, but also prevents the development of diseases knee joints in adulthood and old age. Incorrect distribution of loads during varus deformity leads to uneven and premature “wear” of the knee joints.

Therefore, timely correction of the curvature of the legs is a measure to prevent arthrosis of the knee joints.

Three options for correcting the shape of the legs

You can rest assured that we will do it perfect legs in almost any case, the point is how long the 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 that you have false curvature -

Principles of leg shape correction using the Ilizarov apparatus

O-shaped curvature- the most common reason for cosmetic orthopedic correction of the shape of the legs (about 15-20 times more often than).

General principle correction of the shape of the legs - intersection of the bone in the area of ​​​​deformity and fusion in the correct position.

To perform an osteotomy, it is not necessary to make a large skin incision. A small (5 mm) puncture and one suture are sufficient. With an aesthetically favorable distribution of soft tissue on the lower leg, an excellent result can be achieved without completely crossing the bone, but only by breaking it on one side. This allows us to expect a reduction in treatment time by 5-15%.

After crossing the bone (osteotomy), it is necessary to bring the limb axis to the correct position and fix it in this position until fusion.

X-shaped deformation is corrected in the same way, only the direction of displacement of the bone fragments is exactly the opposite.

The ideal device for bringing the limb axis into the correct position and fixation is the Ilizarov apparatus. Unfortunately, not everyone realizes the possibilities of this method. The maximum experience in using the Ilizarov apparatus has been accumulated in Russia. For the purpose of aesthetic correction of the shape of the legs, we have been using this method since 1996. During this time, more than 1.5 thousand corrections and lengthenings of the thigh and lower leg were performed at the most various states- different leg lengths, improper healing of fractures and, of course, with increased height and cosmetic correction of shape.

The Ilizarov apparatus allows:

• correct angular deformation;
• perform medialization;
• eliminate rotational displacements;
• remove the protruding head of the fibula;
• lengthen a limb.

More simplified open-loop designs have limited opportunities. At the same time, the Ilizarov apparatus can be covered with trousers without any problems and weighs only 900 grams.

Angular correction

Angular correction is the easiest way to correct the shape of your legs. At the request of the patient, using the Ilizarov apparatus, any curvature can be corrected, regardless of the type and severity.

The effect of angular correction in cases of pronounced O-shaped curvature of the legs.
On the left is a 19-year-old girl, on the right is a 26-year-old man.

A prerequisite for obtaining an excellent result by performing angular correction alone is an aesthetically favorable distribution of soft tissues on the lower leg - when the calf muscles are located along the inner surface of the lower legs. The reason for this condition lies in the peculiarities of the attachment of the head of the gastrocnemius muscle, and not in the fact that the muscles are not “pumped up”. Physical exercise in this case will not lead to success.

When correcting varus deformity, medialization can be performed simultaneously, which will significantly improve the aesthetic effect.

Medialization of the tibia

Medialization is the inward displacement of the peripheral (lower) fragment of the tibia after osteotomy. In modern pin-rod devices, this procedure is performed at the patient’s request almost painlessly and gradually by twisting the rods in the process of correcting the curvature.

At the request of patients, angular correction is complemented by medialization in almost 60% of cases and significantly improves the aesthetic effect.

Rotation

Rotational displacement is caused by the installation of the limb in a position of displacement around the longitudinal axis.

This type of deformation occurs in 2-3% of cases and can be unilateral (asymmetrical) or bilateral. Correction of rotation is carried out in case of significant severity or asymmetry on different legs.

Appearance female patient 19 years old before and after combined correction
(angular correction + medialization + rotation + lengthening of the legs by 3 cm).
On the right are radiographs during the correction process.

Reduction of the protruding head of the fibula

A protruding head of the fibula in combination with varus deformity occurs in no more than 1% of cases.

Appearance of a 26-year-old man before and after correction (correction of varus deformity + reduction of the head of the fibula + lengthening of the tibia by 1.5 cm)

Lowering the head of the fibula involves lengthening the legs by 1-2 cm, which significantly enhances the cosmetic effect.

Elongation

Limb lengthening is based on the discovery of G.A. Ilizarov - biological tissues respond to stretching with regeneration. This is achieved by increasing the distance between the rings of the apparatus, which entails an increase in the distance between bone fragments and, accordingly, tissue stretching.

Scheme of limb lengthening using the Ilizarov apparatus

(correction of O-shaped curvature + medialization + lengthening 4.5 cm)

Lengthening by a small amount (2-4 cm) in order to optimize proportions significantly improves the aesthetic effect when correcting curvature of the legs, completely changes a person’s self-esteem, and often his lifestyle.

Ways to reduce treatment and rehabilitation time when correcting crooked legs

The average time from surgery to removal of the devices is 3 months. In the case of leg lengthening, you need to add approximately 1 month for each centimeter of lengthening. The specified period assumes a gradual increase in loads and activity during the fixation process and the ability to fully load the legs and walk freely without restrictions immediately after removing the devices. You can remove the devices earlier, for example, after 50-60 days. However, after this you will have to sharply limit the load (even walking with crutches) for another month and a half until the final fusion occurs.

There are the following ways to reduce treatment time:

• a gradual increase in loads on the legs (under the supervision of a doctor) reduces the time of fixation with Ilizarov apparatuses by 5-10%;
• incomplete osteotomy reduces the fixation period by 5-15%.

Alternative correction methods (without Ilizarov apparatus)

• osteotomy with plate fixation allows you to correct curvature of the legs without Ilizarov apparatus;
• Osteotomy with devices moving the legs into the correct position and subsequent transition to fixation with a rod allows you to remove the devices approximately a month after the operation and immediately begin rehabilitation.

Features of rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is recovery from temporary limitations of function. Post-surgery recovery motor activity should take place gradually and strictly in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.

Gradual expansion of activity mode is made easier with use special means support and movement.

Modern means support and movement after surgery

Additional information and frequently asked questions

At the decision-making stage and during the correction process, additional questions often arise. Answers to all the questions listed below - Here you can find out what examination is necessary before surgery, how to properly take photos for an absentee consultation, and much more.

Often asked:

— Will exercises help correct the true curvature of the legs?
- No, they won’t help. The reason is bone deformation, which is the reason for this shape of the legs.

— Will exercises help in cases where there is false curvature of the legs?
- No, they won’t help. False curvature of the legs is associated with the distribution of soft tissues. Many people believe that there is a deficiency of soft tissue, the muscle is not “pumped up”. In fact, muscle volume in all people is usually proportional to the volume of the lower leg. But for some, the calf muscle is located on the inner surface, it is clearly visible, and it’s beautiful. For other people it seems that the volume calf muscles small. In fact, the volume is sufficient, but these muscles are displaced posteriorly. Exercises will increase their volume, but this will not reduce the deficiency of the internal contour, which actually creates the impression of false curvature of the legs.

— The child’s legs are crooked, what should I do?
- If the child is between 0 and 8 years old, then the shape changes at this age. You just need to observe. If this causes serious concern, and the curvature is pronounced, then you need to contact pediatric orthopedist in order to identify various diseases which can cause deformation of the legs. The effectiveness of massage, exercise and other conservative methods at this age is greatly exaggerated. If the deformity is a consequence of diseases, for example, Blount's disease, then the operation should be performed without delay. If the curvature of the legs is a structural feature, then it is better to wait until the growth zones close. This usually occurs between the ages of 14 and 18. This optimal age to correct the so-called idiopathic varus or hallux valgus deformity.

— Does shin deformation affect the position of the foot?
- Yes, it does. As a rule, these are interconnected processes. Parents pay more attention to the position of the foot, as problems arise with the selection of shoes. In fact, in such cases it is necessary to examine the entire child. The shape of the entire lower limb needs to be assessed. In 90% of cases of foot deformity, a careful examination will reveal deformation of the knee joints, different leg lengths, and much more. Moreover, the correction must begin from top to bottom - first the hips, then the legs, and only then the feet.

If you want to study the problem in more detail, we recommend that you refer to this book:

If you are interested in the problem under consideration and you want to receive Additional information or professional consultation, call +7 909 641-36-41

Photo gallery of works

Woman 27 years old. Varus deformity of the legs.

Male 21 years old. Varus (true O-shaped) deformity of the legs, short stature. We performed angular correction, medialization and lengthened the tibia by 4 cm (see detailed patient diary).

Often, children barely 2 years old are diagnosed with x-shaped legs. Even 25-35 years ago, such a problem was not so acute, either due to its absence as such, or due to the fact that infants were not referred for a systematic examination by an orthopedist. Often, many mothers suddenly find out that their child has one or another deformity of the lower extremities. What can be done about this and how to correct x-shaped legs in a child?

Normal is the shape of the lower extremities, in which you can draw an imaginary straight line passing from the head femur hip joint through the middle of the patella and the space between the first and second toes. A deviation in one direction or the other is considered abnormal. It could be:

1. Hallux valgus means that the legs, brought together at the knees, have a distance of more than 5 cm in the area of ​​the feet, that is, it is an x-shape. If you look at the legs in full, their silhouette resembles hourglass or the letter X.
2. Varus deformity is an O-shaped curvature of the legs. In this case, the pathology affects the middle part of the lower leg, which deviates outward, and the knee joints cannot be connected to each other. As a result, the knees develop unevenly. The meniscus is compressed and the joint space expands from the inside and outside.

Pathology data can be:

• congenital;
• acquired;
• physiological.

Immediately after birth, children most often have an O-shaped leg deformity. Further, as they grow, the legs gradually level out. However, during the period of the beginning of walking overweight, lack of developed muscles and other factors can lead to the appearance of one form or another of curvature of the legs. The most common age for the development of the disease in a child is 2-4 years.

If the problem was not corrected in time, in adulthood, constant improper distribution of the load on the knees and ankles provokes curvature of these joints and the development of knee gonarthrosis, which is a deforming non-inflammatory arthrosis. All this significantly worsens a person’s quality of life. Moreover, women are more predisposed to these diseases.

The initial changes in valgus deformity begin in the knee joints - the internal condyles grow faster than the external ones, and the joint space is narrow on the outside and wide on the inside. As a result, the ligaments that provide stability to the knee are inside overstretched. This deformation of the legs in profile is noticeable by bending at the knees.

The development of the process does not end there; already at one year old, the baby may experience a planovalgus change in the feet, that is, flat feet with the heels deviating outward. Then an unsteady gait develops, the baby often stumbles and falls, and also complains of tired legs. Without treatment, curvature of the spine gradually develops.

Causes of pathology

The reasons include the following:

1. Early onset of child walking. A baby who is just beginning to stand on his feet gradually trains his muscles. Crawling also plays an important role here, which helps in their formation and strengthening of ligaments. If the baby missed this phase of development, the load may be excessive, so the fragile legs become bent. Orthopedists emphasize the negative role of children's jumpers and walkers, which are designed to relieve the load from the legs of infants. However, no load means no training.
2. Heavy weight. Babies fed on mother's milk often have a body weight that exceeds the statistical average. However, it will not be possible to deprive them of food; the only option is to reduce the fat content of the woman’s diet. You can adjust your children's nutrition by artificial feeding or on complementary foods. For weight loss, vegetable purees are recommended rather than grain porridges.
3. Congenital weakness of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus. Heredity may play a role to some extent. If children have an asthenic body type, they are characterized by thinness and undeveloped muscles. Another problem is any disease that causes this pathology.
4. Diseases associated with disorders calcium metabolism, which provoke a decrease in bone strength. This could be kidney disease or rickets.
5. Hereditary predisposition. If one of the parents has X-legs, it is likely that the baby will have a similar deviation after birth. However, the vast majority of newborns have an O-shaped curvature.
6. Congenital malformation - dysplasia of one or both hip joints, dislocation of the hip, underdevelopment of the knee joints and others. Subsequently, unilateral deformity of the lower leg may develop here.
7. Intra-articular fractures and injuries.
8. Benign and malignant tumors bone and cartilage tissue of the lower extremities.

According to statistics, girls have strength anatomical structure pelvic bones X-shaped legs are more common, and in boys - O-shaped.

By the way, the doctor can diagnose a false x-shaped deformity of the legs. Unlike the true one, an external defect is observed due to the location of muscles and fat deposits; treatment is not required.

If a 2-year-old baby quickly gets tired while walking, does not want to walk with his legs, has an unsteady gait and often falls out of the blue, you should see an orthopedist and undergo appropriate treatment. In principle, parents themselves can see that when the child’s knees touch, the child’s ankles do not close. You can measure the distance between the feet of 4-5 cm using a ruler.

There is no point in postponing a visit to the doctor and thinking that everything will go away on its own, since the development of the process can affect not only the ligaments of the knees, but also the ankle joints, and even the spine. After an external examination and measurements, the orthopedist will ask the child to walk barefoot on the floor. At the same time, it will become clear whether there is a flat-valgus position of the feet. The presence of planovalgus changes in the feet is clearly visible on plantography. This may be a visual, ink or computer research model. In the latter option, the plantar part of the feet is scanned at rest and under functional load conditions. The computer will calculate the morphological parameters and give a report on what type of flatfoot is observed - longitudinal, transverse or mixed.

For diagnosis, X-rays of the knee joints are used. The image shows the unevenness of the joint space. In addition, X-shaped legs in children have more developed internal condyles, and the external ones have a bevel. If the valgus curvature is inherited, the x-ray will show blurry edges of the ossified parts of the external condyles.

After diagnosis, correction of the pathology comes to the fore. Childhood up to 3-4 years old is well suited for massage, physiotherapy and physical therapy. How older child, the more pronounced the consequences are - uneven gait, rapid fatigue of the legs, pain in the feet, poor posture and curvature of the spine. In the future, an adult may experience bone changes chest and pelvis, as well as dysfunction of certain organs.

X-legs in a child under one and a half years old are a physiological norm. This requires systematic monitoring by an orthopedist. So as not to miss initial stage diseases. The most in a simple way correction is considered massotherapy. Give preference only to experienced massage therapists, otherwise the procedure may cause harm rather than benefit. Usually a course of 12-15 sessions is carried out, followed by a break for 2 months and repeat. During the year, massage in combination with physiotherapy is carried out on average 4 times. This type massage involves strengthening the muscles on the inside of the lower leg and relaxing overstrained external ligaments. The procedure affects the buttocks, back, feet, front and back of the lower limbs. It is important that the massage therapist’s movements bring joy to the baby and not pain, otherwise he will not relax.

As prescribed by the doctor, the child may be referred to warming procedures using paraffin and electrophoresis with calcium chloride. Very important role is played by wearing specially ordered orthopedic shoes with a high hard back and hard insoles that combat flat feet. Such shoes or boots help to form the correct position of the foot and a normal tilt of the body. Doctors usually advise wearing such shoes at home and on the street with a break for sleep and exercise.

If conservative methods don't help, recommend plaster casts, articulated orthoses or removable splints. The period of their use ranges from 3 weeks to several months. This type of therapy is not suitable for hyperactive children and toddlers with neurological disorders.

In severe cases it is recommended surgical intervention. If only one leg is affected, the Ilizarov apparatus with simultaneous varus osteotomy of the tibia can be used for correction. This is especially true after suffering injuries and leg fractures. The correction period can take from 2 months to a year. The postoperative recovery stage consists of massage, exercise therapy and physiotherapy. In the future, gymnastics are carried out to strengthen the muscular-ligamentous apparatus and full recovery range of movements.

Treatment of hallux valgus is a very lengthy process, sometimes it requires many years of effort and a certain perseverance from children and parents. Among other things, it is expected to correct the baby’s lifestyle:

1. Make sure that the child does not stand with his legs wide apart, as this position increases the inward deviation of the knee joints. A more advantageous position is with legs tightly closed.
2. Children with X-shaped legs need frequent rest during active games or while walking. No wonder the children kindergarten often put on a bench "as punishment for disobedience."
3. It is advisable to attend specialized sports clubs, dance, go swimming, or enroll your child in an orthopedic nursery preschool, where daily physical therapy and massage courses will be conducted.

At home, it is advisable to do a simple set of exercises every day:

1. To correct hallux valgus in children, walking on a plank in the spirit of “the bull is walking and swinging…” is excellent. Another time you can play circus and walk along a rope laid on the floor, like a real tightrope walker.
2. Split-knee squats and cycling help develop the right muscle groups.
3. Play the game “The bear is walking through the forest.” Lay out toys on the carpet, and then walk on the outside of your feet and pick up objects.
4. Sitting cross-legged can be varied with various additional games. Roll a ball to each other while sitting in this position, or pretend to be an oriental fakir charming snakes.
5. It is useful if at home you have the opportunity to build a wall bars, ladder, trapeze and hang a rope. In addition to reducing excess weight, exercise stress will strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the legs, knees and feet.
6. Let the child during summer holiday walks barefoot on sand, grass and pebbles. Such exercises help treat flat feet.

A 1.5-2 year old baby is more susceptible to treatment X-shaped legs subject to a persistent and patient approach to procedures. In the vast majority of cases, getting rid of pathology takes from 2 to 7 years, but you still shouldn’t give up. Valgus curvature of the lower extremities is not a cosmetic defect. Subsequently, it can provoke a whole range of skeletal disorders, including the development of arthrosis of the knees and feet. Correct Exercises, balance active play and rest, wearing orthopedic shoes and systematic monitoring by an orthopedist will protect the child from unpleasant consequences at an older age.