
Bow legs is a condition where the legs curve outward at the knees so that, when standing, the knees do not touch. Its appearance is most obvious between the ages of 12 – 18 months and can occur in 1 or both knees.
It is rarely serious and usually does not require treatment as it does not cause pain and does not affect a child’s ability to crawl, walk or run. In most cases, bow legs go away by the time the child is 3 or 4 years old.
However, if it persists into a child’s teenage years or adulthood, bow legs may cause discomfort in the ankles, knees and hips and require treatment for correction.