Physical therapy, chiropractic, special shoes, vitamins, and bracing have no effect on the normal development of normal legs. Treatment Options for Bowlegs and Knock-Kneesįor the vast majority of children, treatment only involves observation (allowing growth and time to correct the legs) and parental reassurance. Finally, by age 8 to 10 years, the child’s legs have settled in to what will likely be their adult alignment.By 3 to 4 years, the child’s legs typically grow into a knock-knee (valgus) position.When the child is between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years, the legs have usually straightened.From infancy to 18 months, a child’s legs are initially bowlegged (varus), causing toddlers to often walk with their feet wide apart.The following is the normal growth and development for children, from infancy to the age of 10: However, these are symptoms of bowlegs and knock-knees seen in most children, which the child will typically outgrow. Some children may walk with their toes pointed in, trip more or appear clumsier than other children their age, and, children at the extremes of the normal growth curve may have bowlegs or knock-knees that often look severe. Physiologic bowlegs and knock-knees will not affect a child’s ability to crawl, walk, run or play. Understanding how a child’s legs change as they grow is important in understanding these conditions.ĭuring growth, the majority of children normally go through a period of being relatively bowlegged or knock-kneed. However, only a very small number of children need treatment. Growth and Development in ChildrenĪ common concern for parents, bowlegs and knock-knees are primarily due to the child’s normal growth and development. The medical term is "genu valgum", which may also come from the words thighbone, shinbone or both. When a child with knock-knees stands with his or her legs together, feet pointed straight ahead, and the knees touch but their ankles do not, he or she has knock-knees. The medical term for bowlegs is "genu varum", most likely coming from the words thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia) or both. When a child with bowlegs stands with his or her feet together, if the toes pointed straight ahead, but the knees do not touch, he or she has bow-legs. However, bracing or surgery may be necessary for patients suffering from Rickets or Blount's disease.Ĭontact the Children's Orthopaedic and Scoliosis Surgery Associates for more information regarding bowlegs & knock-knees » Understanding Bowlegs and Knock-Knees In most cases, children will outgrow either condition. Rotational & Gait Abnormalities Caused by Neuromuscular Conditionsīowlegs and knock-knees are common conditions that develop during a child's normal growth and development.Foot Deformities in Cerebral Palsy Patients.Hip Subluxation & Dislocation in Children with Cerebral Palsy.Congenital Deformities of the Hands and Feet.Surgery is typically done before the child is done growing and consists of applying metal plates on the inside of the knees and allowing them to grow straighter. On rare occasions, if knock knees do not improve by age 10 or worsen and the child complains of significant knee pain, has difficulty walking or is unable to perform normal activities, surgery may be considered. In the past, bracing was sometimes used, but is not any longer. Almost all children with knock knees can continue to participate in all their activities, including sports. By age 7–8, knock knees usually begin to straighten.Knock knees is most common around age 4.
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Knock knees is slightly more common in girls than boys. In most cases, there is no specific cause.
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Typically, during childhood and especially during early grade school, knock knees can be a normal part of growth. Knock knees, also known as genu valgum, are an angular deformity of the legs that causes the knees to touch each other, while the ankles are spread apart.