Flat Foot and Bow Legs: What to Know

Flat feet concern the arch and position of the foot during weight-bearing. Bow legs describe an outward curve of the legs, usually noticed when the ankles are together and the knees remain apart. A child can show one finding, both, or neither. Developmental alignment changes may be part of normal growth, while persistent, marked, painful, asymmetric, or worsening alignment deserves a clinical examination.

A clinician considers the child’s age, height and weight-bearing pattern, walking, joint movement, and whether symptoms affect play. In adults, new or progressive alignment change may reflect a joint or bone problem rather than a long-standing body shape.

Do not try to straighten the legs with force, special shoes, or unsupervised braces. Record when the shape was first noticed, whether both sides look alike, and whether there is pain, tripping, stiffness, or reduced activity. [Paediatric Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/paediatric-physiotherapy/) may help when a child has movement, strength, balance, or activity difficulties. If bone alignment is significant and conservative care is not enough, an orthopaedic team may discuss [Osteotomy](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/osteotomy/), a procedure that realigns a bone in selected cases.

Arrange a medical assessment if bowing is clearly one-sided, becomes more pronounced over time, causes pain or limping, follows an injury, or interferes with running and play. Seek prompt care for severe pain, inability to bear weight, sudden swelling, or a hot and swollen joint. A review is also sensible when a child’s walking pattern changes or the feet and knees seem increasingly difficult to align.

Is this alignment expected for the person’s age? Are the flat feet flexible? Are both legs developing similarly? Does the examination suggest observation, physiotherapy, imaging, or an orthopaedic opinion?