Does paediatric physiotherapy treat bow legs?

Bow legs, or genu varum, describe an outward curve of the legs. In many young children, leg shape changes as they grow, so a clinician may monitor alignment rather than prescribe intensive treatment. Physiotherapy can support coordination, muscle control, balance and comfortable participation in play when those areas are affected.

Exercises cannot remodel a structural bone deformity on demand. Persistent, marked, one-sided or worsening bowing needs assessment to look for an underlying bone or growth problem. Management may involve observation, treatment of the cause, bracing in selected situations or an orthopaedic procedure rather than physiotherapy alone.

Ask a paediatric clinician to assess the child’s age, walking pattern, leg symmetry, height and growth. A physiotherapist can then tailor play-based activities, footwear advice and movement practice to the child’s actual needs. Do not force the legs into a position or use braces without professional guidance.

Keep a record of changes in walking, pain, falls and endurance. Attend planned reviews so the clinician can compare alignment over time and decide whether more testing or orthopaedic input is needed.

Arrange review if bow legs are worsening, unequal, painful, associated with a limp, or still prominent beyond the expected growth pattern. Seek prompt care if a child suddenly refuses to walk, has severe pain after an injury, fever with a swollen joint, or develops weakness or numbness.

Does the leg shape fit my child’s growth stage? Is there a structural cause to investigate? Which activities are useful, which should be avoided, and when should alignment be reassessed?