Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Emergency assessment is appropriate after a major injury or when leg symptoms occur with a visibly deformed limb, loss of feeling, a pale or cold foot, or severe pain.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical care for new inability to bear weight, significant swelling, or rapidly increasing pain.
Fever with a hot, red, swollen joint also needs urgent assessment because infection is possible.
These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated bowlegs.
And for anyone, someone who:
is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is often appropriate for a young child with painless, symmetrical bowing that is improving.
The clinician may document the child's growth, leg alignment, and walking pattern over time.
Attend scheduled visits even if no imaging or treatment is currently needed.
Arrange a non-emergency medical appointment if:
Bowing is becoming more noticeable instead of improving
One leg is more bowed than the other
The curve appears sharp or is centered just below the knee
Bowing continues beyond the usual toddler stage
There is persistent pain, limping, weakness, or difficulty keeping up with peers
Growth seems slow or there are other signs of a bone or nutrition problem
Bowing appears after a fracture or other leg injury
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bowlegs. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.