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Bowlegs - Treatment

Alternative Names

Genu varum

Treatment:

No treatment is recommended for bowlegs unless the condition is extreme. The child should be seen by the health care provider at least every 6 months.

If the condition is severe or the child also has another disease, special shoes, braces, or casts can be tried. It is unclear how well these work.

At times, surgery is performed to correct the deformity in an adolescent with severe bowlegs.

Expectations (prognosis):

In many cases the outcome is good, and there is usually no problem walking.

Complications:

Bowlegs that does not go away and is not treated may lead to arthritis in the knees or hips over time.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your child shows persistent or worsening bowed legs after age 3.

Reviewed last on: 11/12/2010
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.

References

Canale ST. Osteochondrosis or epiphysitis and other miscellaneous affections. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 29.

Rickets

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