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Dr. Krutika Surana

Knock knees or Genu valgus

Updated: Mar 15, 2023



Knock knee, also known as genu valgum, is an improper alignment of the knee that can impact persons of all ages. If left untreated, it can cause knee discomfort and joint deterioration. Correction of the deformity will enhance knee mechanics and walking abilities, as well as lessen discomfort and prevent the knee from deteriorating rapidly.


It is a condition in which the knees bend inward and contact or "knock" against one another, even though the ankles are apart. This applies too much force to the outside of the knee, which can lead to discomfort and injury over time.


Knock knee is generally bilateral, affecting both legs, however, it can affect only one knee in certain circumstances

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Most children's legs have natural angular alterations as they grow. Children are normally bowlegged until they are 12 to 18 months old when they begin walking. By the age of two to three years, their legs have generally begun to slant inward, causing them to be knock-kneed. The child's legs will straighten out by the age of seven to eight under typical growth stages.


symptoms

When a person's knees are positioned together, the most noticeable indication of knock knee is a separation of their ankles. Other symptoms, such as soreness, are frequently caused by the stride (style of walking) chosen by patients with knock knees. Among these signs are:


  • the ache in the knees or hips

  • Ankle or foot discomfort

  • When standing with your feet not touching and your knees together, you may have tight or aching joints.

  • Walking with a limp limits hip range of motion.

  • Inability to walk or run due to knee instability

  • Patients or parents who have progressing knee arthritis in adults may be dissatisfied with the looks.


Causes

Knock knee can be caused by an underlying congenital or developmental disease or arise after an infection or a traumatic knee injury. Common causes of knock knees include:

  • metabolic disease

  • physical trauma (injury)

  • arthritis, particularly in the knee

  • bone infection (osteomyelitis)

  • rickets (a bone disease caused by lack of vitamin D)

  • congenital (inborn) conditions

  • growth plate injury

  • benign bone tumors

  • fractures that heal with a deformity (malunion)

  • obesity



Treatment


Supportive devices

Braces

Stretching

Physiotherapy

Surgical intervention


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