written by Bill  on 06.02. at 06:11:16

"The term arque, identified by Noverre, translates as 'arched,' or 'bowlegged.'  With bowlegs the lateral condyle of the femur is taller than the medial condyle.  Usually occurring in men, the femur is normal, but the tibia has an outward curve.  With this condition, the tendency is to supinate, or roll outward on the feet.  Because of this misalignment, the dancer is more prone to injury on the medial side of the knee.  When a dancer with bowlegs stands in First position, the knees have space between them.   The hip joint turns inward as a result of the bowlegged condition.  This knee variance interferes with the technical ability of the dancer.  Dancers with bowlegs are typically strong and stiff; extensions are never high, but the dancer has power and ballon.   To decide if a dancer is bowlegged, view the dancer from the back in parallel First position and then in a natural turned-out First position (approximately 90 degrees turn-out).  If the dancer is bowlegged, the knees have a space between them and hyperextended."  

I am also bowlegged.  I went to a physical therapist a few years ago, and they prescribed "orthotics."  These are plastic inserts that go into your shoes, and they help your feet and legs compensate for the problem.  Don't buy over-the-counter orthotics, get the real thing.  The PT who helps you with them will take molds of your feet so that there will be exact measurements.

When I started wearing mine, I noticed a difference right away.  They do feel funny when you first start to use them, but I don't even notice them anymore.  My orthotics are stiff, they aren't soft and flexible, so I can't put them into ballet shoes.  You may get a different type that can be put in ballet shoes.

Ask your parents to take you to a podiatrist (a foot doctor).  That'll start the ball rolling.

Bill