What are bowlegs and knock-knees?
Babies and young children often have knees and legs that look
awkward. Two types of problems at this age are bowlegs and
knock-knees. Both of these are fairly common in babies and young
children.
If a child has bowlegs, the legs bow outwards when she or he
stands. When your child stands with his or her feet together, the
knees will be far apart. With knock-knees the lower legs angle
out, so that the ankles are far apart when the knees touch.
Bowlegs are very easy to see at 12 to 18 months when your child
starts to stand and walk. Standing and walking helps the legs to
straighten. Knock-knees usually are noticed later between the ages
of 3 and 6.
What is the cause?
A baby's legs are folded up before they are born. This can cause
them to be bowlegged at first. Severely bowed legs can be caused
by rickets or Blount's disease. Both are rare conditions. Rickets
is typically caused by not getting enough or being able to
properly use vitamin D. Blount's disease is a condition that
affects the tibia, which is a bone in the lower leg.
The most common cause of knock knees is a result of overcorrection
of bowlegs. This is common and normal between 3 and 5 years of
age. There may be other problems that can cause bowlegs or
knock-knees, including problems with the bones, kidneys,
infections, and injuries.
How long does it last?
The bowlegs are usually gone by age 2. At this point most children
start to have a slight knock-kneed look. It is a normal part of
development. The legs begin to straighten out at age 5 or 6 as
your child grows. The legs will typically look normal by age 7 to
10. During the early teenage years, your child will usually be
able to stand normally with the knees and ankles touching.
What is the treatment?
Most children will outgrow knock-knees and bowlegs without the
need of any special treatments. However, in severe cases, your
provider may want your child to see a bone specialist called an
orthopedist.
In rare cases surgery may be recommended, especially if the
problem continues as your child grows older. Sometimes braces or
special shoes to help straighten the legs may be used, although
not all providers think this treatment is necessary.
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?
Call your child's healthcare if you have questions or concerns
about your child's legs.
Your child should see a healthcare provider by age of 2 if:
- the bowing is getting worse or one leg is bowed more than the
other
- your child is having increasing pain or problems because of
the angle of the knees and legs
- your child has severe intoeing (toes pointing in when walking)
- your child is unusually short or has problems standing up
straight.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a
replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File ORRE3163.HTM Release 11.0/2008
© 2008 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
© 2008 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
