Can you play football with bow legs?

Football is a demanding sport that requires a wide variety of movements, from running speed to sudden changes of direction, jumping and powerful kicks. physical condition of the players is a key element to optimize their performance and prevent injuries. Among the many aspects that can influence the game, the configuration of the legs is an often underestimated factor. And a bone deformation regularly raises questions: genu varumwhich is characterized by an unusual outward curvature of the legs. We take stock with Dr. Emmanuel Orhant, medical director of the French Football Federation (FFF).

Bowed legs, also known as genu varum, refers to an orthopedic deformity in which the legs are curved outwards at the kneescreating a wider space between the knees when the ankles are brought together. This Lucky Luke-like posture can be congenital and therefore present at birth, or develop in adulthood due to many factors.

As Simeon Antonov Boyadjiev Boyd states in his dedicated article: “Genu varum is common in children who are beginning to walk and often corrects itself spontaneously before the age of 18 months” (source 1). If this occurs, it becomes pathological and can be the cause of: visible space between kneespain or discomfort in the knees or hips (especially in adults), or even balance problems and difficulty walking or running.

As you will have understood, genu varum is often physiological and is part of the normal development of young children: it generally corrects itself over time, without medical intervention. But after a certain age, several factors can explain its presence:

• A deficiency in vitamin D, calcium or phosphate can lead to ricketswhich is a common cause of genu varum in children. This condition affects bone growth and can cause deformity of the lower limbs.
• There Blount's diseasea growth disorder of the tibia that can cause progressive, asymmetric genu varum.
• A metabolic disordersuch as Paget's disease, which can affect bone structure and strength.
• A skeletal dysplasiasuch as achondroplasia which may affect normal bone growth.
• A poorly consolidated fracture Or a bone infection likely to cause bone deformity.
• Uneven wear of the knee joints due to osteoarthritis may lead to progressive deformation.
• There brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta), marked by great bone fragility.
• A poor distribution of loads or inappropriate gait biomechanics.

The practice of football is completely compatible with having bow legsbut it is important to take certain precautions to avoid complications and injuries.

Although football puts some strain on the legs and knees, it is not not the direct cause of genu varumsays Dr. Orhant. However, injuries or repetitive stress associated with intensive practice of this sport can contribute to bone deformities:

• Repeated movements, jumping and rapid changes in direction can put excessive stress on the knees and legs.
• Knee or leg injuries, such as sprains or fractures, can lead to bone deformity if they do not heal properly.
• Overtraining without adequate rest can affect bone growth and development in children and adolescents.

Careful monitoring and proper training practices are essential to prevent such problems!

Are you suffering from genu varum and don't intend to give up your passion for football? To continue enjoying the game, it is important to take several precautions!

Play on well maintained grounds to minimize the risk of tripping or twisting the knee.

Wear some football shoes that provide good support and cushioning, this can help reduce the pressure on your knees.

Before you start or continue playing, consult a doctor or orthopedist to assess the severity of your genu varum. Schedule regular visits to monitor the condition of your knees and adjust recommendations as your condition evolves.

Pay attention to signs of pain or discomfort during games and practices. And if you feel pain After a game or practice, rest and apply ice to reduce inflammation.

Focus on the strengthening the muscles around your kneesincluding the quads, hamstrings, glutes and hip muscles, advises Dr. Orhant.

Integrate proprioception exercises to improve the stability of your knees: resistance band exercises can be particularly beneficial.

In addition, bet on low impact activities such as swimming or cycling to strengthen your legs without overloading your knees.

Stretch regularly to improve flexibility in your leg and hip muscles.

A voucher warming up before training or matches, as well asadequate recoverycan also help prevent injuries.

Use orthotics as recommended by your doctor: this can help to correct alignment and reduce pressure on the knees. Custom orthotics can also help improve leg alignment and reduce pain.

Work with a coach to create a training program tailored to your needs. This way you can improve your running technique and your movements on the ground. “Be especially careful of sudden movements and quick changes in direction that can increase the stress on your knees,” emphasizes Dr. Orhant. A good technique can significantly reduce the impact on your knees!

The management of genu varum obviously depends on its cause and severity. It may include non-surgical measures such as orthotics or exercises, but in some more severe cases or when the deformity causes pain or functional problems, surgery may be considered. In detail…

• Of the orthotics and orthopedic insoleswhich can help improve leg alignment and reduce pain, especially in mild to moderate cases.
• An exercise program muscle strengthening and flexibilitywhich can help stabilize joints and improve leg alignment.
• Of the physiotherapist exercises to improve posture, gait and muscle strength, which can help offset the effects of genu varum.
• In case of pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and relaxation techniques can also be helpful!
• In some cases, vitamin D and C supplementsor even minerals such as calcium, may be recommended.

In the most severe cases, or when significant pain is present, a osteotomy may be offered to realign the leg bones and correct the deformity. A arthroplasty (joint replacement) may also be considered if the joint is too damaged by genu varum.

Note: In cases of congenital genu varum, personalized treatments may be necessary to manage the deformity throughout growth.

“Despite the potential challenges, many footballers manage to perform with their bow legs. All have compensated for their physical peculiarities with specific training, excellent physical condition and refined technique. Genu varum is not an insurmountable obstacle, so don't hesitate to put on your crampons” concludes Dr. Orhant.