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Ask the CPCMG Pediatrician: Bowlegs

My 15-month-old child is bowlegged. Is this normal or should I be worried?

Thanks for your question! Because of the way their bodies are positioned in the uterus, almost all babies are born bowlegged. In their first 18-months to 2 years of age, a child’s are normally bowed. As the lower back and leg muscles develop and children start to walk, the legs straighten out. By 2½ to 3 years of age, the legs will appear normal.

Sometimes children are bowlegged for a longer period of time. Being bow-legged past the age of 2 or bow-leggedness in only one leg can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Sometimes the shin bone fails to develop normally (Blount disease). Rickets, a bone growth problem, is caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium in a child’s diet. Both of these diseases are treatable with leg braces, diet changes and occasionally, surgery.

Keeping a regular schedule of wellness visits with your CPCMG pediatrician and communicating your concerns is important. Together, we can keep your child healthy and thriving!