Have you heard of bowlegs? Are you worried your child has this common childhood condition? In this blog post, we’ll talk about bowlegs and answer some of the questions you have about causes, symptoms, and treatment. 

If you believe your child has bowlegs and you’re seeking professional help from highly qualified and experienced pediatric orthopedic doctors, contact us for support. We’re happy to help. 

If you’re just looking for more information on bowlegs & its treatment at this stage, read on!

What are Bowlegs? 

Bowlegs (genu varum), is a condition in which the legs curve outwards at the knees. When a  child affected with bowlegs stands, their ankles might touch, but their knees will continue to stay wide apart. 

Infants and toddlers often have bowlegs – it’s pretty common! The good news is that it’s rarely a serious problem, with the condition usually going away on its own without any treatment, by the age of 2 years old.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Bowlegs? 

Thankfully, bowlegs don’t tend to bother young children with pain, discomfort, or other life-limiting symptoms. Bowlegs doesn’t affect a child’s ability to do what they enjoy either. They can walk, crawl, run and participate in a full range of activities. Playground fun remains on the cards! 

While pain isn’t a typical feature of the condition, an unusual walking pattern or gait is. Children may walk with their toes pointing inwards (called in-toeing) and they seem clumsier, sometimes tripping more than other children. 

However, these symptoms usually go away as the child grows older and grows out of the condition. 

What Causes Bowlegs? 

Bowlegs occur in the first year as part of natural growth. The reasons behind this occurrence, however, are unknown. What we do know is when babies are born with bowlegs, it’s because their bones have needed to rotate to fit into the tight space of the womb. 

Sometimes, bowlegs can be the cause of other medical conditions, such as: 

• Rickets 

This is a bone growth problem that occurs because of a lack of vitamin D or calcium. Rickets is common in developing countries where vitamin D-fortified foods are scarce. A lack of vitamin D can weaken the bones and cause them to curve. 

• Blount’s disease 

This is a rare growth disorder that impacts the bones of the legs. Unlike bowlegs, this condition gets worse over time.

• Other conditions that affect bone growth

Examples include: bone dysplasia, fractures, injuries, infections, and tumors 

When to be Worried About Bowlegs? 

As we mentioned above, when bowlegs are associated with another medical condition, it may be more serious. Here are the signs and symptoms that point to another condition behind bowlegs: 

The child’s bowlegs continue to worsen past the age of 2

• There’s an asymmetric appearance of the bowing

• The child experiences knee or hip pain

• They limp when walking 

• They have a short stature 

A pediatric orthopedic doctor can determine if your child’s bowlegs have an underlying condition behind them. 

Remember, if severe bowleg issues aren’t treated,  they can lead to leg deformities, trouble walking or running, pain, and an increased risk of getting arthritis as an adult. So, if your child displays any of the above symptoms, be sure to get them checked by a professional. 

Diagnosing Bowlegs

To diagnose bowlegs, your child will need to get an assessment from an orthopedic pediatric specialist. The assessment for bowlegs is uncomplicated. Bowlegs is obvious when a child stands straight. You’ll notice their toes point forward!

A doctor will look at the position of your child’s legs, knees, and angles and will note down the distance between the knees during the assessment. X-rays are usually obtained if there is a concern that your child could have Blount's disease or Rickets.  

How are Bowlegs Treated? 

Mostly there is no need for any medical treatment for bowlegs in children. As they grow, their legs will likely straighten out by themselves. 

However, if the condition is caused by another condition, like rickets or Blount’s disease, then treatment will be needed. If your child has Blount’s disease, your child will likely need surgery. 

If a child has Rickets, they’ll need to be treated with vitamin D and calcium. If rickets is genetic, then an endocrinologist may take over your child’s care and provide specialized treatments. 

When deciding on your child’s treatment, your doctor will consider:

• Your child’s age

• Their overall health and medical history 

• The severity of the condition

• The causes of the condition

• Your child’s ability to tolerate medications and therapies 

• The probability of bowlegs getting worse and impacting future mobility 

The Future Outlook of Bowlegs

To summarize, most cases of bowlegs in children are idiopathic (the cause isn’t known), so there’s nothing to worry about. They’ll likely grow out of the condition by the age of two and won’t experience any difficulties with the demands of daily life. 

Generally, bowlegs are a cause for concern when there’s no improvement by the age of two or when it’s linked to something else. This is when the outlook gets blurrier and treatments are needed. 
Either way, if you’re concerned about your child, it’s always best to get support from a medical professional. At POBAR, we can assess your child for bowlegs and give you our prognosis. We’re committed to providing excellent care for your child at every stage! 

Get Advice & Medical Support From Experienced Orthopedic Pediatric Doctors in Brandon and Tampa, FL 

If you believe your child has bowlegs and you’re after advice, or your child has bowlegs but they’re not improving as they grow, come and see us.  

Based in both Brandon and Riverview, FL, we provide your children with high-quality care and medical support, helping them reach a better level of health and superior quality of life. 

Although we’ve provided a lot of information here, you don’t need to figure anything out yourself.  Give us a call and we’ll discuss your child’s health together, helping you figure out the next steps.