| Doctors have very little time with each patient these | | | | Due to natural variation, knees come in a range of |
| days so it pays to be able to speak a little of their | | | | angles than can still be 'normal' for the individual. What |
| language. Of course you should always try and clarify | | | | is important is when the angle changes over time. |
| any points you do not understand before making | | | | This angulation can begin before the onset of other |
| major decisions but this is easier said than done. | | | | symptoms such as pain. When knees get to the |
| 'Varus' is a term used by the medical profession to | | | | stage that they require surgery, the good news is |
| describe joints that form an angle different from the | | | | that surgeons can correct this angulation (up to a |
| usual. It does not apply only to the knee. Varus | | | | point). It is common for patients to have legs |
| means that the part of the body furthest away | | | | straighter after their operation than they have had |
| from the torso is angled towards the midline position. | | | | for years. |
| In simple terms, if the knees are described as varus, | | | | It is also important to note that the initial stages of |
| they are 'Bowlegged' | | | | degeneration can occur very slowly over a number |
| Varus knees indicate that the arthritis is mainly on the | | | | of years. As the disease process progresses |
| inside of the knee. If the doctor says your knees | | | | however, there can be rapid advances in |
| have become more varus between visits, the | | | | degeneration in relatively short periods of time with |
| degenerative process is progressing. | | | | angulation increasing markedly in the knee. |