Bow legs or genu varum is a physical condition where one or both of a person’s legs curve outward at the knee, causing them not to touch. Although bow legs are known to cause chronic joint and knee issues, multiple successful NBA players compete with this condition.
Bow legged NBA players include four-time NBA championship winner Lebron James and six-time NBA all-star Jimmy Butler. Neither player has let the condition affect their play or longevity. Famous players like Danny Green, Norman Powell, and Josh Howard also suffer from the ailment.
Despite the disadvantages, various players across multiple sports have not let the condition stop them from being successful. The rest of this article will discuss which successful NBA players suffer from bow legs and go over what causes it and how it affects the body.
1. Lebron James
The best example of a bow-legged player is the professional basketball player Lebron James. Lebron has not let bow legs hinder his performance. Since his post-high school debut, Lebron has remained one of the best players in the league. James has won numerous NBA championships, MVPs, and Olympic gold medals.
Lebron has set the record for most post-season (playoff) points scored, a feat only possible due to his long 20-year tenure. However, there are other success stories for NBA players with this condition other than Lebron.
2. Jimmy Butler
6-time NBA All-Star and gold medalist Jimmy Butler has carved out a strong career. He has been in the league for over ten years, and despite being bow-legged, he hasn’t let his condition affect his longevity.
3. Norman Powell
Norman Powell is another success story with over seven years of pro play and an NBA Championship under his belt. Although he suffers from the bow-legged condition, it doesn’t hinder his ability to be a successful player.
4. Danny Green
Another bow-legged player includes defensive specialist Danny Green, who set the record for the most successful 3-pointers in a final series. Being bow-legged hasn’t stopped Green, as he continued to set records despite his condition.
5. Josh Howard
The retired professional Josh Howard also had the bow-legged condition. In fact, he had to have his legs broken and reformed as a baby in order to reset and fix the issue. Doing this allowed Howard to become a successful basketball player.
What Causes Bow Legs?
Bow legs are when one or both legs bend out. This condition causes your knees not to touch even if your ankles are touching. Some babies are born with bow legs, while others develop them from walking too early. However, genu varum (bow legs) at this stage of life is typically outgrown.
Other causes of bow legs include:
- Blount’s disease
- Rickets
- Knee injuries
- Fluoride
- Lead poisoning.
Outside treatment is typically required if someone develops bow legs under these conditions, and it’s usually diagnosed by x-ray.
How Bow Legs Affect the Body
Bow legs can have other effects on the body outside of appearances. This condition causes gapping on the outer part of your knees, which can place excessive stress on your joints. This stress can cause unstable knees, reduced hip motion, and knee or hip pain.
Too much compression here may cause problems like a meniscus tear (tear in the cartilage) or medial joint arthritis in the inner part of the knee.
Final Thoughts
Bow legs or genu varum is a physical condition that causes your legs to bend outward, resembling a bow. It tends to stress your joints and knees and can cause chronic pain and issues if left untreated.
However, despite this condition, various NBA players like Lebron James, Jimmy Butler, and Danny Green have carved out long and prosperous years for themselves.