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Overview
Bowlegs are normal until about age 2, and knock knees until about 7.
Toe walking past age 3 should be checked.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonPain, limping, one-sided changes, or toe walking after 3.
Causes
Causes include normal development, tight tendons, and rarely rickets or nerve conditions.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause toe walking, in-toeing, bowlegs, or knock knees. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Toe walking, in-toeing, or bowlegs in kidsOften treated at home
Walking on tiptoes, feet turning in, bowlegs, or knock knees are common as children grow and usually straighten out on their own.
What you can do at home
- Let kids play and grow.
Medicines
Usually none needed.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Age
- Development
The exam
A leg exam.
Tests
- X-rays if needed
Prevention
Not preventable.
- Check development
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.