Valgus and varus deformities

Do your child’s knees come together when they walk? Don’t brush it off with “it will pass as they grow.”

1

Valgus deformity

In valgus, the knees bend inward and the legs take on an “X” shape. Valgus deformity of the foot (abduction-pronation dystopia) is described by many as flat feet.

Causes: weakness of the muscles and tendons, pelvic rotation, muscle atony, and wearing unsuitable (too soft) shoes.

2

Varus deformity

  • The legs appear “O”-shaped
  • There may be difficulty with balance when walking
  • Over the long term, it may cause pain in the knees and joints
3

The link with the digestive system

On the right side, ileocecal valve insufficiency may produce signs of SIBO — a right-sided valgus deformity is noted in these children. On the left side lies the mesentery of the sigmoid colon; if this area is tense, constipation, large bowel dysfunction and a left-sided valgus deformity are observed.

4

Treatment approach

  • Osteopathic treatment — restores the body's structural balance
  • Massage — reduces tension in the muscles
  • Therapeutic exercise — activates the foot muscles and supports the natural formation of the arch
  • Kinesiology taping
  • Massage techniques that improve lymphatic flow
Foot arch: normal and flat footNormal archFlat feet
In a normal foot, the inner arch does not touch the ground (dotted line). In flat feet the arch drops and almost the entire sole presses against the ground (red).

Methods we use

Osteopathy

A hands-on treatment method that works on the musculoskeletal system, internal organs, spine, nervous system a…

Therapeutic exercise (remedial exercise therapy)

Treatment alone is not enough — movement matters too. The best results come from consistent exercise.

Pediatric massage

Normalizes tense and shortened muscle groups and has a positive effect on immunity.

Footscan foot analysis

Precise device-based assessment of flat feet and foot deformities.

Kinesiology taping (kinesio tape)

An elastic tape applied to the skin — it supports the muscles and joints and reduces pain.

Recommended reading on this topic

Related conditions

Sources and further reading

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