Knock-Knees and Bowlegs

Knock-kneed (genu valgum) and bowlegged (genu varum) kids are often a concern that parents bring up at some point when kiddos are learning to walk and run. Most kids at some point will have a knock-kneed and a bowlegged appearance as the muscles and tendons that keep the legs in alignment with the hips while running and walking strengthen and mature. Usually between the ages of starting to walk and 2-3 years, kids will have a bowlegged appearance, which around age 4 transitions to a knock-kneed appearance. At some point between the ages of 6 and 10, we see kids with a more straight-legged appearance due to the maturing of the muscles, tendons, and joints. 

There are a few pathologic causes of alterations in leg appearance such as hip dysplasia, leg length discrepancy, or vitamin D deficiency (rickets). These are often much more dramatic in appearance and do not self-correct over time.  At every well visit and most other clinic visits, your pediatrician will watch your child walk and determine if their amount of bowlegged or knock-kneed appearance is an issue or within the realm of normal.