What causes X-shaped legs?

X-shaped legs are usually caused by abnormal bone development, unbalanced muscle strength or bad posture habits. This type of leg shape is characterized by the knees being close together when standing, but the feet cannot be brought together, forming a shape similar to the letter "X".

The causes of X-shaped legs can be divided into two types: congenital and acquired. Congenital factors may be related to genetics, such as having people with similar leg shapes in the family; acquired factors are more related to lifestyle habits, such as long-term incorrect sitting and standing postures, or lack of sufficient exercise leading to unbalanced muscle strength. In children, bones are not fully developed. If you maintain a bad posture for a long time, such as kneeling or walking with your feet turned inward, it may aggravate the degree of X-shaped legs.

From a physiological point of view, the formation of X-shaped legs is related to the imbalance of muscle and ligament strength around the knee joint. The inner thigh muscles are too tight, while the outer thigh muscles are weak, which will cause the knees to tilt inward. Flat feet or poor arch development may also indirectly lead to X-shaped legs, because insufficient foot support will affect the force distribution of the lower limbs.

For children and adolescents, X-shaped legs may improve naturally during development, but if they are severe or accompanied by pain, it is recommended to seek medical attention in a timely manner and intervene through professional rehabilitation training or corrective devices. If adults find that X-shaped legs affect their daily life or appearance, they can improve them by strengthening leg muscle exercises, such as practicing yoga, Pilates, or doing targeted strength training to help balance muscle strength. At the same time, pay attention to adjusting your daily posture, avoid kneeling or crossing your legs for a long time, and choosing suitable shoes can also play a certain auxiliary role.