Kid Care: Bowlegs and Knock Knees

If your child’s legs aren’t completely straight, he or she may have bowlegs or knock knees – a common part of growth. Bow legs and knock knees are normal in young children and usually go away and correct themselves as the child grows.

If your child’s legs aren’t straight

If your child’s legs curve outward when standing with their feet together, then their legs may be bowed.   Bow legs are normal in infants and toddlers and becomes more obvious as your child begins to walk. In most children bow legs disappear and straighten out by the time they are 2 years of age.

If your child’s knees come together and their feet and ankles remain far apart when standing, then he or she may have knock knees. Knock knees are commonly seen between the ages of three  and five.  Like bow legs: the legs gradually straighten out as the child grows and reach a normal position by the time they are 8 to 10 years old. 

When should you see a Doctor?

Bow legs and knock knees can be normal in young children. But, for some children  it can be severe and require a visit to a pediatric orthopedic specialist who can monitor your child’s bone development.

Reasons to see a doctor would be:

• Your child’s bow legs  or knock knees appear to be getting worse

• Bow legs are still there  after the age of  three

• Knock knees worsen after the age of eight

• Only one leg is affected

• Your child has pain in his hips, knees or ankles.

• Your child is unusually short.