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Bowlegs, or tibial varum, are normally seen in the infant until the age of two years. After this age, the legs should have straightened. If bowing of the legs persists in a child past the age of 2 years, or if the bowing increases in severity, the child should be seen by a podiatrist for evaluation. The normal lower limb has a 3-4 degree tibial varum (mild 'bow-legged') angle when approaching the ground. Under natural circumstances, when the foot strikes soft surfaces like grass or sand, these surfaces give way to accommodate the foot's strike angle. However, when the foot strikes hard surfaces like pavements and floors, the foot 'pronates' excessively upon contact, causing the arch to drop and the foot to elongate. It is important that if a parent feels that their child has bow legs the child should be assessed as early as possible by a Podiatrist.
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