Bow legs is a medical condition in which your kid’s legs bend outward at the knees, which may lead to a wider than normal gap between their legs. It gets its name from the fact that your child’s legs look like a bow when they stand and walk. There is a considerable gap between their feet. The condition is more common in toddlers than adults, and they are most likely to get normal once they turn 18 months old. Still, it’s best to see a bow leg surgery specialist in Mumbai, especially if an older kid develops this condition. 

Causes of Bow Legs

Of all possible causes of the child developing bow legs, the most common one is “physiologic Genu Varum”. When your child is growing in your womb, they might not be in the appropriate position due to the smaller size of the uterus. Their bones might change position so they can easily fit in a small space. 

But as mentioned earlier, this is absolutely normal, and your child’s legs will look normal once they turn 2. However, a bow leg surgery treatment in Mumbai is needed if the legs do not straighten in two years. You can discuss other treatment options with the doctor. In the meantime, let’s check out other possible causes of bow legs.

• Blount’s Disease: Your kid’s shin bone might not be in proper order, which might eventually lead to Blount’s disease — a condition that affects your kid’s standing and walking position. It’s more commonly found in African-American kids, overweight children, and those who started walking earlier than normal kids.
• Rickets: Your child might be suffering from rickets, a condition caused by vitamin D deficiency or low calcium. Their bones might get weaker due to these deficiencies, causing their knees to bow. Any kid can get rickets, but those in developing countries are at a higher risk.
• Other Bone Issues: If your kid suffered a fracture, which has not year healed properly, there is a high risk of bone issues. This can be the reason for bow legs.

Symptoms of Bow Legs

The most obvious sign of bow legs is the wide gap between the knees, which can be seen when your kid stands up or walk. Their knees won’t touch even if the ankles and feet are together. This is more clear when your child walks. Sometimes, their toes might be inward when they are walking. The good news is that bow legs do not affect your child’s quality of life or cause any pain or discomfort. Your child will be able to crawl, walk, and run like normal kids. However, a difference can be easily noticed. 

Knee or hip pain can be felt in some cases, but that’s quite rare. The condition is diagnosed with an X-ray of your kid’s knees, legs, and feet. If it doesn’t correct within 2 years, see a doctor immediately. If your child lives with bow legs for years, they might develop arthritis or severe knee pain in the future.