Correction of leg shape: non-surgical and surgical methods

The shape of the legs is the most important parameter that affects both the aesthetics of the body and the health of the person. Curvature can cause not only psychological discomfort, but also a number of problems of spinal curvature, varices, arthrosis. Only timely correction will help prevent such complications. In some cases, the form can be corrected by exercises, while in others, only more effective solutions to cruroplasty or orthopedic surgery can help straighten the legs. It all depends on the nature of the curvature and the patient's expectations on the correction.

Types of leg curvature

From an aesthetic point of view, the legs are considered to be correct, which, when in a flattened and flattened state, come into contact in four zones: the middle of the thigh line, the knee joints, the middle of the lower leg line and the heel. Deviations from the accepted standard may indicate curvature of the legs. It can be of two types:

1. O-shaped varus curvature, in which the knees and lower legs do not touch each other, forming an oval gap.
2. X-shaped valgus curvature, suggesting a noticeable divergence of the tibia and heels in contact of the knees.

It is important to know that the curvatures of the legs may have a different character. Curvature is true and false. In the first case, the defects are triggered by anatomical deformation of skeletal bones, and in the second, a violation of the distribution of soft tissues.

It is possible to correct the non-aesthetic form of the legs by several different methods: exercises, lipofilling, cruroplasty, orthopedic operations, etc. In each particular case, doctors select the most effective way taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

Straightening legs exercise

To some extent, it is possible to correct the false curvature by increasing the volume of muscle mass in the problem area. There will be useful exercise with a load on the target muscles.

To correct the irregular shape with the O-shaped curvature, the following exercises are recommended:

• rises on socks with parallel straightening of legs;
• walking up the steps with a toe;
• straight leg lifts;
• walking based on the inner arches of the foot.

The following exercises will help to improve the shape with a false X-shaped curvature:

• walking based on the outer arches of the foot;
• foot presses on simulators;
• squatting in Turkish with pressure on the knees.

To target exercises gave the maximum result, they need to be supplemented by general physical loads on the legs. Squatting, flexing, lunges and strengthening exercises at simulators will contribute to effective correction of the shape.

Operational Curvature Correction Techniques

Straighten the legs with the true curvature will help surgery. Among the most popular correction options:

• cruroplasty;
• lipofilling;
• osteosynthesis.

If it is necessary to correct the shape of the lower leg, the most effective option would be a croroplastic surgery to install silicone implants in problem areas. Cruroplastika allows you to increase the volume of the necessary zones and make them more even. The operation takes about 1.5 hours. During the cruroplasty, implants are inserted into the incision in the popliteal tab. The stitches are removed in a week, and the full rehabilitation period after the cruroplasty lasts 1.5-2 months. The first results of the operation appear in 2-3 months. The most pronounced effect of improving the shape of the legs is noticeable a year after cruroplasty.

Lipofilling will help not only correct the shape of the legs, but also get rid of excess fat in problem areas. This is an operation to transplant the patient's own adipose tissue to those areas where there is a lack of volume. Lipofilling is the least traumatic way to straighten the legs, which even involves cuts and stitches. The operation takes no more than 2 hours, and the rehabilitation period can last from 1 to 2 months.

In the case of complex curvatures, external osteosynthesis is recommended for patients with orthopedic surgery using an Ilizarov apparatus. It allows you to drastically straighten the legs with a true curvature of almost any degree. The operation involves dissecting the deformed bones and their subsequent fixation in the desired position using the apparatus. The patient must wear a special device until the bone is completely bonded; this can take from 1 to 3 months.