Bow legs are defined as a condition in which the legs curve outwards like a bow between the ankle and the thigh. Knock-knees is a condition in which the legs curve inwards so that the feet are apart when the knees are touching.

A slight degree of bowing or knocking is normal in an individual. It is normal for a baby to have bow legs because of their position in the womb. But bow legs disappear as the baby grows older and starts walking. Let’s look at some of the reasons for bow legs in a child. According to the article titled ‘Toddler Health - Are Bowed Legs Normal?’ written by Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD, published in medicinenet.com, ‘Certain medical conditions can be responsible for bowed legs that do not improve, or even worsen as a child ages. Blount's Disease is a medical condition that affects bone growth, resulting in abnormal growth of the upper portion of the tibia, or shin bone, leading to bowed legs. Both toddlers and adolescents can develop this condition’. Also, a child may have bow legs due to rickets.

If you are concerned about your child’s bowleggedness, you should first consult your paediatrician, who may refer you to a paediatric orthopaedist. Other than following medical advice, there are also some exercises that your child can do to help with physical activity. But remember, exercises only help in easing physical activity and do not correct the deformity.

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