Understanding bow legs and knock knees
Bow legs and knock knees are often part of normal growth. With bow legs the knees stay apart; with knock knees the ankles remain apart when the knees meet.
Treatment and care
Many children need only monitoring as their legs develop. Pain, marked asymmetry or worsening alignment should be assessed. Surgery is reserved for selected cases.
Questions to discuss with your clinician
Use this guide to prepare for an individual discussion. The right next step depends on your diagnosis and circumstances.
- What findings support this diagnosis, and could another condition explain my symptoms?
- Do I need any investigations before choosing treatment?
- Which options are suitable, and what are their benefits and risks?
- What changes should prompt another assessment?
- How will the condition affect everyday activities and follow-up?
Common questions
When should my child be checked?
Arrange a review if one leg is affected, the alignment is severe or worsening, or your child has pain or a limp.
Is surgery usually necessary?
No. Most developmental changes improve without surgery. Where correction is needed, options depend on the child's growth and the cause of the problem.