Bowlegs & Knock Knees

What Are Bowlegs and Knock Knees?

Bowlegs (Genu Varum) and Knock Knees (Genu Valgum) are common leg alignment variations seen in growing children. In bowlegs, the legs curve outward at the knees while the ankles remain together. In knock knees, the knees touch while the ankles remain apart.

These conditions are often a normal part of development in toddlers and early childhood, but persistent or severe deformity may require medical evaluation and treatment.

Key Facts

• Bowlegs are common in infants and usually self-correct by age 2
• Knock knees often appear between ages 2–5 and may correct by age 7
• Severe, worsening, or asymmetric deformity is not normal
• Early evaluation helps distinguish normal growth from pathological conditions
• Rarely, these may be signs of nutritional or bone disorders

Causes

Physiological (Normal) Causes:

• Natural part of early bone growth and development

Pathological Causes (when abnormal):

• Rickets (vitamin D deficiency)
• Blount’s disease (growth disorder of the shin bone)
• Bone dysplasias or genetic conditions
• Previous injuries or infections affecting bone growth
• Obesity placing stress on developing knees

Symptoms and Consequences

Visible Signs:

• Bowed legs (wide gap between knees) in a standing child
• Knock knees (wide gap between ankles) while standing with knees together
• Limp or abnormal gait pattern
• Difficulty running or climbing stairs (in severe cases)
• Asymmetry between legs

If Left Untreated (when pathological):

• Progressive deformity
• Joint pain and instability
• Uneven leg length
• Early arthritis in knees and hips
• Self-esteem issues due to visible differences

Treatment at Child OrthoCare

Under the expert care of Dr. Nargesh Agrawal, we provide comprehensive evaluation and customized treatment based on the child’s age, severity, and underlying cause.

1. Observation and Monitoring:

• Most mild cases resolve naturally with growth
• Regular follow-ups to track correction

2. Nutritional Correction:

• Supplementation and dietary advice in cases like rickets
• Blood tests and imaging to rule out deficiencies

3. Bracing (in selected cases):

• Used in early stages or mild deformities
• Helps guide bone growth in the correct alignment

4. Surgical Intervention:
For moderate to severe deformities or persistent misalignment:

• Growth Modulation Surgery: Minimally invasive, temporary implants to guide natural bone growth
• Corrective Osteotomy: Bone realignment surgery for older children or severe cases
• Post-operative physiotherapy to restore full function

Did You Know?

• Many children with bowlegs or knock knees improve without any treatment
• Rickets is one of the most common preventable causes of bone deformity in developing countries
• Early bracing or growth modulation can avoid the need for major surgery later
• Proper shoe wear and weight management help reduce stress on developing legs

Myths and Facts

Myth: All bowlegs and knock knees need treatment.
Fact: Most cases in young children are part of normal development and resolve on their own.

Myth: Braces always fix knock knees or bowlegs.
Fact: Braces are only useful in specific conditions and age groups.

Myth: It’s just cosmetic and not serious.
Fact: In untreated pathological cases, it can cause long-term joint damage and walking issues.

Myth: These problems are caused by the way a child sleeps or sits.
Fact: Positioning has no proven link to these deformities.