Are you concerned about your child’s bowed legs or knocked knees?

Sarah Cowgill (Physiotherapist – Burnie)

Find out below if you should be!

Bowed legs and knocked knees are a normal occurrence in children, especially in the younger years.

Bowed legs (knees that look like they are a long way apart) are a normal result of children having previously been in their mother’s uterus. When babies are on their tummies this may not be noticeable but as they start to take weight through their legs, we often see the legs looking bowed. In most cases this resolves as a child moves around more, between the ages of 1-3.

Knocked knees (knees that look close together) can start to occur after the age of 3. This is due to bones growing longer and is normal. As children grow further and their muscles catch up with their bones, their legs will start to straighten. Knocked knees is common between the ages of 3 to 5 and even up until 8.

Bowed and knocked knees are normal within the ages described above. Most of the time they will correct on their own and no treatment is required.

If you are still concerned come and see a Physiotherapist; especially if you notice any of the following:

• The curve looks extreme
• The curve is on one leg only
• The curves are still present outside of the normal age brackets
• There is pain with walking or limping

The main thing to remember is that these curves are normal as we grow and as adults most of us have slightly knocked knees, but to check with a Physiotherapist if there are any concerns.

For an appointment with a Physiotherapist, call our Burnie clinic of 64314586.