Children with bow legs

Bow legs are when the legs are curved outward at knees and feets and ankles touch each other.

It’s rarely serious and usually disappears  without treatment, frequently when a kid is 3-4 years of age.

Signs and symptoms 

usually, bow legs do not cause any trouble to the child. however, if it persists into teenage yeras, it may cause discomfort in ankles and knees.

causes of bow legs.

Physiological bow legs –  it’s because some of the bones had to twist slightly when they were growing in the womb to fit into the small space. It’s considered a normal part of a child’s improvement and development.

As the child starts walking, bowing might increase.

in most kids, bowing of legs is corrected by itself atage of 3 or 4, very occasionally, it persists upto age of 7 or 8 years.

Other causes

rickets- it is a bone growth problem due to deficient calcium or vitamin d.

blounts disease- a growth disorder that affects the bones of the legs

Diagnosis- 

Detailed medical history of the child and examination is required to come to a diagnosis.

nothing is done if the child is less than 2 years old.

When to see a doctor ?

– if the legs don’t straighten on their own

– if the bowing of legs is assymetric

– child has pain , limp and difficulty in walking along with deformity.

the doctor might take an xray to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

physiological bow legs don’t require any treatment.

child with rickets may need calcium and vitamin d supplementation

Important note : 

Kids with  physiologic bent-legs don’t have to restrict their exercises. They can run, walk, and be just about as dynamic as different children a similar age.