Condition
Pediatric Bowlegs
Bowlegs are a condition in which the legs curve outward at an extreme angle at the knees while the child’s feet are together. Babies are born with bowlegs because of their folded position in the uterus (womb), so the condition is normal in infancy. The legs straighten as the child begins to put weight on them and learns to walk.
If the bowlegs don’t straighten by the time the child is 2 to 3 years old, or if they worsen, they may be caused by a rare, more serious condition. If left untreated, bowlegs can lead to:
- Deformities in the legs, including differences in leg lengths if only one leg is bowed
- Difficulty walking and running
- Higher risk of arthritis in later life
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes bowlegs in children?
What are symptoms of bowlegs in children?
How are bowlegs diagnosed in children?
How are bowlegs in children treated?
Orthopaedic Treatment at Children's National Hospital
Advanced care and treatments available in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Children’s National are improving quality of life for the children we treat and the families we serve. Discover more about the treatments we offer.
Providers Who Treat Bowlegs
- Helping Maddie to Live Life to the Fullest
Maddie is a lively, creative teen who loves to act. Research at Children's National Hospital helps to ensure that her rare disease doesn"t upstage her big theater plans or her love of life.
Departments that Treat Bowlegs
Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
From sprains and strains to complex congenital conditions, Children’s National Hospital offers one of the most experienced pediatric orthopaedic practices in the nation with experience in treating all areas from head to toe.