Understanding and Treating Knock Knees and Bow Legs in Children:

 Many parents are understandably concerned when they notice that their child’s legs appear bowed or that their knees touch while their ankles stay apart. One of the most frequently asked questions to a pediatric orthopedic specialist is:

“How can I fix my child’s knock knees or bow legs?”

According to Dr. Roshan Kumar Jaiswal, a renowned Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon in Secunderabad and Consultant at KIMS Hospital, these conditions are often part of normal childhood development and typically improve on their own. However, in some cases, they may persist or worsen and require medical evaluation and treatment.

What Are Knock Knees and Bow Legs?

Knock knees, medically known as genu valgum, occur when a child’s knees touch but their ankles remain widely separated. Bow legs, or genu varum, refer to the opposite — the knees stay apart while the ankles are close together.

Both of these leg alignment issues can be part of normal growth stages. In fact, most infants are born with bow legs due to the curled-up position in the womb. By the age of 18 to 24 months, their legs may start to align into a knock-kneed position, which usually self-corrects by around 5 to 7 years of age. By adolescence (around 10–11 years), a child’s legs generally reach their final adult alignment.

When Should Parents Be Concerned?

While mild bow legs or knock knees are common and usually resolve naturally, persistent or worsening cases may be signs of an underlying condition. Here are some red flags:

• Bow legs that worsen in the first 18–20 months
  
  

• Severe leg curvature beyond the age of 2 to 3 years
  
  

• Knock knees persisting or worsening after age 7
  
  

• The child cannot walk or run properly
  
  

• Pain, limping, or frequent falling
  
  

• One leg appearing more curved than the other (asymmetry)
  
  

If any of these signs are present, it's important to consult a pediatric orthopedic doctor near you.

What Causes Knock Knees and Bow Legs?

While often harmless, persistent knock knees or bow legs can sometimes be linked to:

• Rickets (a rare metabolic disorder caused by vitamin D deficiency)
  
  

• Genetic or hereditary factors
  
  

• Skeletal dysplasia or growth abnormalities
  
  

• Previous trauma affecting bone growth
  
  

• Obesity in toddlers, especially those who start walking early, as their body weight puts additional pressure on growing bones
  
  

• Rare congenital syndromes that affect bone and joint development
  
  

A professional assessment from an experienced child orthopedic specialist is essential to rule out these conditions.

Diagnosis: What to Expect During a Pediatric Orthopedic Consultation

At your child’s appointment with Dr. Roshan Kumar Jaiswal, a thorough physical examination will be conducted to assess your child’s leg alignment, gait, and muscle function. If needed, standing X-rays of the legs may be recommended to measure:

• The valgus (inward) or varus (outward) angles
  
  

• The growth pattern of the femur and tibia
  
  

• Whether the growth plates are functioning normally
  
  

These evaluations help identify if the deviation is within the normal range or if knock knees treatment or bow legs correction is needed.

How Are Knock Knees and Bow Legs Treated?

If your child’s condition is diagnosed as physiological, no specific treatment is usually needed. The orthopedic surgeon will advise regular follow-ups and may recommend:

• Monitoring growth milestones
  
  

• Nutritional support if vitamin D or calcium deficiency is suspected
  
  

• Weight management in overweight children
  
  

• Physical therapy or exercises to strengthen muscles and improve posture
  
  

However, in pathological cases where the condition is not improving, surgical correction may be advised. One of the most effective and minimally invasive procedures used today is guided growth surgery.

What Is Guided Growth Surgery?

Guided growth surgery involves placing a small plate and screws (also called tension band plates) on one side of the bone — either the femur or tibia, or both — to slow down growth on one side, allowing the other side to catch up. This technique promotes gradual correction of the deformity as the child grows.

• It is a safe and effective solution
  
  

• Typically performed as a day-care procedure
  
  

• Minimal discomfort and quick recovery
  
  

• Regular follow-up is needed for 1–2 years until the desired alignment is achieved
  
  

Importance of Early Evaluation

Early identification and treatment of leg deformities offer the best outcomes. If you notice any unusual alignment in your child’s legs — whether knock knees or bow legs — don’t wait for it to worsen.

Dr. Roshan Kumar Jaiswal, a best Pediatric Orthopedic Doctor in Secunderabad, provides expert evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans for all types of pediatric bone and joint concerns.

📍 Book an Appointment with Dr. Roshan Kumar Jaiswal
Consultant Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, KIMS Hospital, Secunderabad

🦴 Specialized in treating:

• Bow legs
  
  

• Knock knees
  
  

• Clubfoot
  
  

• Flatfoot
  
  

• Gait abnormalities in children
  
  

📞 Call Now: 9542904584
🌐 Visit: www.drroshanchildortho.com

Don’t ignore the signs. Early evaluation can make all the difference in your child’s future mobility and posture. Trust Dr. Roshan Kumar Jaiswal – your child’s orthopedic care partner.