MY CHILD HAS BOWED LEGS OR KNOCKED KNEES - IS THIS NORMAL?

You may notice the positions of your child’s legs and think they bow in or out. Certain positions of kids' knees can sometimes be described as knocked knees or bowed legs. So are these knee positions normal? And what do these knee positions actually mean? 

What is Knocked Knees?

Knocked knees are where the legs curve so both knees touch. When your child is standing with feet together their knees will touch but not their ankles. 

What is Bow Legs?

Bow legs are where your child’s legs curve out and when standing with feet together ankles will touch but not knees.

Bow legs and knocked knees can be common in childhood and adolescence and is due to the bones in the thigh and shin not lining up correctly.

Most children between 18 -24 months of age have bowed legs especially noticeable when they start walking. Then you may notice your child has knocked knees which often develop after bowed legs. Knocked knees can also be common in 3-5 year olds. 

Usually knocked knees and bowed legs will straighten as your child will grow but some may find it beneficial to be assessed and treated by an Osteopath. 

CAN AN OSTEOPATH HELP WITH BOW LEGS OR KNOCKED KNEES?
Your Osteopath will complete a thorough assessment of your child's bow legs or knocked knees.  An assessment includes checking whether the legs are within ‘normal limits’, if ‘biomechanical changes’ have occurred through the feet, hips or back, and of course they need to rule out any rare conditions such as rickets (the childhood version of scurvy) that could be a cause.

An Osteopathic assessment will examine the movements of your child’s feet, knees, hips and back to ensure everything is moving in the most efficient way and that there are no compensations occurring. This assessment plus a thorough case history will allow your Osteopath to provide advice around activities to strengthen muscles and bones of the legs to help with your child’s leg develpment. 

Bow legs usually line up by 3 years old and knocked knees generally by 8. Severe knocked knees in older children may need surgery and if the leg positions are due to an underlying condition that will need to be addressed. 

Always talk to your GP or paediatric Osteopath if you have any concerns.

References: https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/bow-legs-knock-knees