Bow-legged toddler

[Ms.Cernas1987]

My daughter is 20 months old and she is very bow-legged, I got a referral from the pediatrician to see a nurse practitioner (instead of a orthopedic doctor), the nurse practitioner told me that her legs will straighten as she grows but so far I have not seen so much change in her legs, the nurse practitioner also said that if my daughter's legs did NOT straighten they could not do anything on her. I have heard from other people, whom their children had bow-legging problems, they were treated successfully. I'm trying to get another referral from my daughter's pediatrician to see a orthopedic and next time I hope to hear a remedy. I m afraid that by the time the pediatrician sends the referral and we see an orthopedic it would be late for my daughter. Any other moms with this type of concern?

[MommaC]

I have a similar concern, but my daughter is much younger--so we still have to give it time to correct itself. Is she having trouble walking? Is her flexibility decent? I'm thinking if it's not infering with her life, no one's going to offer to fix it. I had a couple friends in high school who were very noticeably bow-legged, but they did just fine. So if she's getting around normally, don't sweat it. (I'd probably still go to the orthopedist, though, because I like to be SURE.) Good luck

[kfiedler]

My son has very bowed legs. He is 17 months old, and he has always had them. When he was inutero his legs developed crossed above the knee. It looked weird and my husband had a very difficut time changing him because he thought that he was going to break his legs trying to get the diaper between them. At his 1 year check up our doc recomended that he sees a specialist. For my situation this is what i was told: The days of braces are pretty much gone (unless it is a hip situation) they have found that it will eventually correct itself. Basically my sons femur bone developed twisted. My son however is extreamly clumbsy, so we have to watch him pretty close. He manages to trip himself constantly. The Doc said it will probably get worse before it gets better, and to revlaluate in a few years and it will take time. I guess I trust there oppinion, in the meantime it is covering EVERY corner with rubber, and constantly having a eye on him. The other day my daughter just walked by him(didn;t even touch him) and he lost his balance fell over onto the fireplace stone, has a little bruise. It really just makes me really aware that he can hurt himself on anything. Really I wouldn't worry about it but I would try to find out for sure if it is becuase of her legs, feet, or hips. A good explanation can really make you feel better, and as a Dr they should explain to you why you should not worry.

[qnbrachel]

My son is almost 20mnth and is very bow legged. We saw an othapedic specilist who said that he should grow out of it on his own. He said it is not unusual for toddlers to be bow legged and as long as it is not hindering his walking and is not causing him pain then we don't need to do anything right now. We are to measure the distance between his legs once a week to make sure its not getting worse, but otherwise we will see him again on his 2nd birthday. He also said that it is not beneficial to use braceses or shoe inserts at this young age becuase there is no proof that it helps and often times just alianates the child. They are at the age where they are very aware of their surroundings and may realize that there is something different about them from their peers (eg. braceses). It is important to see a specialist, though, becuase there are other potential causes of bowlegged, such as specific diseases and problems with the bones, that can be treated.

[bcmartins]

My 15 month old twin son, recently saw a pediatric orthopedic specialist and she scheduled him for surgery to place "8" clips on his knee growth plates. Has anyone ever heard of these. i can't find any information on these.