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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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.