Bowlegs is a condition observed when a person stands with the feet and ankles together, but the knees remain widely apart.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Infants are born bowlegged because of their folded position in the uterus. The infant's bowed legs begin to straighten once the child starts to walk and the legs begin to bear weight (about 12 to 18 months old). Normal appearance is usually attained by the time the child is 6 years old. At this time, a child can usually stand with the ankles together and the knees just touch. If the bowed legs persist into this period, the child is called bowlegged. Severely bowed legs can be a sign of rickets . Rickets is caused by a Vitamin D deficiency, and in the United States breast fed infants with dark skin are most at risk. Other causes of bowleggedness include Blount's disease, bone dysplasias, and lead or fluoride intoxication.
Signs and tests
Physical examination of the child is usually sufficient to make this diagnosis. X-rays are warranted if the child is 3 years or older, the bowing is getting worse, if it is asymmetric, or if there are other findings suggestive of disease.
Treatment
No treatment is recommended for bowlegs unless the condition is extreme. The child needs to be reassessed at least every 6 months. If the condition is severe, special shoes can be worn that rotate the feet outward with an 8 to 10 inch bar between them. They are to be worn at night for no longer than 3 to 6 months. Occasionally, in an adolescent with severe bowlegs, surgery is done to correct the deformity.
Expectations (prognosis)
In many cases the outcome is good, and there is usually no problem walking.
Complications
There are usually no complications.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if your child shows persistent or worsening bowed legs after 3 years old.
Prevention
There is no known prevention.