Bowlegs : Treatment

Treatment

No treatment is recommended for bowlegs unless the condition is extreme. The child should 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, although it is unclear how well these work. Occasionally, in an adolescent with severe bowlegs, surgery is performed to correct the deformity.

Prognosis (Expectations)

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 age 3.

• Bowlegs : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

• Bowlegs : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests

• Bowlegs : Treatment

Review Date : 12/1/2008
Reviewed By : Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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