Curved Legs In Newborns: What's Normal?

It is normal for newborns' legs to be curved or bowed. This is usually a result of the way they were positioned in the uterus, with some of the fetal bones rotating to fit in the small space. Bowed legs are common in infants and toddlers and are rarely a serious condition. They usually resolve on their own by the time a child is between 2 and 4 years old.

Bowed legs are normal and usually correct themselves as the child grows

Bowed legs in newborns are a common occurrence and are usually not a cause for concern. This condition arises due to the limited space and positioning in the uterus, resulting in a curve or bow shape in the legs. As your child starts walking, their bones will gradually reform, and the legs will start to straighten. This process typically occurs between the ages of 9 and 18 months, and by the time your child is around 2 years old, their legs should appear mostly straight.

The bowed shape of a newborn's legs is considered a normal part of their growth and development. It is often referred to as physiologic bow legs or physiologic genu varum. This condition usually resolves on its own as the child grows and develops, without the need for any treatment or intervention. In most cases, the bones in the legs will start to realign as the child begins to bear weight on their legs and start walking.

The process of the legs straightening can take some time, and it is common for children to go through different stages of leg alignment as they grow. After the initial bowed shape, it is typical for children to develop "knock knees," where the knees tilt inward. Eventually, by around age 7 or 8, most children will have straight legs or near-normal walking patterns.

While bowed legs are usually not a concern, it is important to monitor your child's development. If the bowed legs persist beyond the age of 2, or if there are other concerning symptoms, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or an orthopedic specialist. In rare cases, bowed legs can be a sign of underlying conditions such as Blount's disease, rickets, or other bone malformations. However, for the majority of children, bowed legs are a normal part of their growth and will correct themselves over time.

Bowed legs are caused by the foetal position in the womb

Yes, it is completely normal for a newborn's legs to be curved or bowed. This is usually a result of the foetal position in the womb, where the baby's legs are folded tightly across their belly, and there is limited space. As a child develops, they will progress naturally from bow legs to knock knees and finally straight legs in later childhood.

Causes of bowed legs

The most common cause of bowed legs is the position of the foetus in the womb, known as physiologic genu varum. The cramped conditions mean that some of the foetal bones rotate to fit in the small space. This is a normal part of a child's growth and development and is not usually something to be concerned about.

Treatment of bowed legs

Bowed legs in babies and toddlers under the age of two typically resolve on their own and do not require any treatment or correction. As babies start walking and their legs start to bear weight, the bones in their legs will start to reform, and their legs will gradually straighten. By the time a child is three to four years old, their legs will usually be straight.

Bowed legs should improve when the child starts walking

It is very common for babies to be born with bowed legs. This is usually a result of the position they were in while in the uterus, with their legs folded tightly across their bellies. In most cases, bowed legs are considered a normal part of a child's growth and development and will not require any treatment or correction.

When a child starts walking, the bones in their legs will start to slowly reform as old bone breaks down and is replaced by new bone in different places where it's now needed to support their weight. Typically, within six to nine months of starting to walk, a child's legs will be straighter. By the time they are 3–4 years old, in most cases, the condition will have resolved.

However, if the bowing is severe or continues beyond the age of 2, treatment options may include splints, casts, braces, or surgery. If you are concerned about your child's bowed legs, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

Bowed legs can be caused by vitamin D or calcium deficiency

Bowed legs in newborns

It is very common for babies to be born with bowed or curved legs. This is usually a result of the positioning and limited space they had in the womb. As the child starts walking, the bones in their legs will start to reform, and their legs will straighten out. This process usually takes place within six to nine months of the child starting to walk.

Causes of bowed legs

There are several reasons why a child might have bowed legs. The most common cause is physiologic genu varum, which is caused by the positioning of the fetus in the cramped space of the uterus.

Another cause of bowed legs is rickets, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D and/or calcium. Rickets makes a child's bones softer and weaker, causing their legs to bow. Rickets is rare in the United States but is still common in developing countries.

Bowed legs can be treated with braces or surgery if they continue past age 2

Bowed legs in newborns

It is completely normal for newborns to have curved or bowed legs. This is usually a result of the positioning and limited space in the uterus. As the child starts walking, the bones in their legs will start to reform as old bone breaks down and is replaced by new bone. Usually, within six to nine months of starting to walk, the child will have straighter legs.

Treatment for bowed legs

If bowed legs continue past the age of two, treatment options include splints, casts, braces, and surgery.

Braces

Braces are usually prescribed when there is an underlying cause for bowed legs, such as rickets or Blount's disease, or if they won't straighten on their own. Braces gently stretch and straighten legs over time by applying traction at regular intervals throughout the day.

Surgery

If bowed legs continue despite other treatments, surgery may be needed to prevent further damage and correct the issue. Surgical options include:

• Guided growth: A small metal plate or staple is placed in the leg to stop growth on the healthy side of the shin bone so that the unhealthy side can catch up. The plate or staple is removed once alignment has improved.
• Tibial osteotomy: The shin bone is cut below the knee and reshaped to fix the alignment. The bone is held in place with a plate and screws inside the leg or a frame outside the leg while it heals.

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