Quick read
Key points
- 1
Bow legs (where the knees stay apart when standing with feet together) and knock knees (where the knees touch but the ankles stay apart) are extremely common and usually a normal part of a child's growth and development. Most toddlers have some degree of bow legs, which typically straightens out by around age 2, and many children develop knock knees between ages 3 and 7, which usually resolves by around age 7 or 8.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
The bowing or knock-knee appearance is severe, one-sided, or asymmetric
01 · Know
What is Bow Legs and Knock Knees in Children?
Bow legs (where the knees stay apart when standing with feet together) and knock knees (where the knees touch but the ankles stay apart) are extremely common and usually a normal part of a child's growth and development. Most toddlers have some degree of bow legs, which typically straightens out by around age 2, and many children develop knock knees between ages 3 and 7, which usually resolves by around age 7 or 8.
In the vast majority of cases, no treatment is needed, and the legs straighten naturally as the child grows. Occasionally, it can be related to an underlying condition, which is why persistent or asymmetric cases are worth having checked.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
This is usually just a normal growth phase
Bow legs and knock knees at the typical ages are a normal, temporary part of childhood leg development, not a sign that something is wrong.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1The bowing or knock-knee appearance is severe, one-sided, or asymmetric
- 2It doesn't improve or worsens beyond the typical age ranges
- 3Your child is noticeably short for their age alongside the leg shape
- 4Your child complains of pain or has difficulty walking
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
No Treatment or Special Footwear Is Usually Needed
Special shoes, splints, or exercises are not needed for typical bow legs or knock knees, and don't speed up the natural straightening process.
- 1Monitor over time.Take photos periodically to track changes, which can be reassuring and useful to show a doctor if needed.
- 2Mention it at routine check-ups.Your public health nurse or GP can assess whether the pattern and timing are typical.
- 3Avoid unnecessary interventions.Special shoes or braces aren't needed for the common, self-resolving forms.
- 4Seek assessment if you notice asymmetry.One leg being affected more than the other is worth having checked.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Bow legs and knock knees are a normal part of childhood development for the vast majority of children and resolve without any treatment.
Asymmetric, severe, or persistent cases beyond the typical age range are worth a doctor's assessment, just to be thorough.