Knock Knees: Types, Causes & Treatments — Patient Guide for Lucknow Knock Knees: Types, Causes & Treatments — Patient Guide for Lucknow — लखनऊ में मार्गदर्शन

Knock knee, also called Genu Valgum, is a condition where a person has a large gap between their feet when standing with their knees together. Normally, many children have knock knees, which becomes obvious around age 4. It's just a regular part of their development, and their legs will normally straighten by age 7.

However, knock knees can very occasionally be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment, especially if the condition develops in older children or adults, or doesn't improve with age. Types of Knock Knees Genu valgum can appear in two main categories: Physiologic and Pathologic.

Key symptoms and patterns

Physiologic Knock Knees Physiologic knock knees are a natural part of a child's development. It's common for children aged 3 to 5 to exhibit genu valgum, with studies indicating that up to 75% of them may experience this condition. Fortunately, for most youngsters, knee deformity resolves on its own as they grow.

As they reach their 8th year, their legs typically straighten out. Pathologic Knock Knees Pathologic knees valgus, on the other hand, is severe, persists beyond age 8, or develops during adulthood.

Such cases are often associated with underlying medical conditions, such as obesity, vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, arthritis, knee joint infection and trauma.

Common causes and risk factors

Knock Knees Symptoms Knock knee syndrome, characterised by the inward angling of the knees when standing with feet together, may not always exhibit noticeable symptoms.

Let’s take a closer look at some common symptoms of knock knees to help you easily identify the condition and seek professional help: Visible Inward Angling: An apparent misalignment of the knees when standing with the feet together. Knee Pain: Knee pain is often experienced on the inner side of the knee joint.

Walking and Running Difficulties: In severe cases, individuals may struggle with carrying out basic activities. Gait Abnormalities: Some people may develop a waddling or awkward walking pattern.

Diagnosis and evaluation

Joint Pain: Joint pain is not limited to the knees, as knock knees can also cause discomfort in the hips and ankles due to altered alignment. Limited Range of Motion: Knock knees can restrict the natural movement of the knees.

Discomfort During Physical Activities: Engaging in sports or physical activities can become uncomfortable or painful. When to Get Medical Advice? Knee valgus in children isn't usually a cause for concern and should improve as your child gets older.

However, visit an orthopaedic doctor, if you have the following issues. The gap between the ankles is greater than 8 cm while standing with the knees together. There's a big difference between the angle of the lower legs when standing compared with the upper legs.

Treatment and self-care

If you feel that the knock knee problem is worsening, you need to immediately visit a reputable orthopaedic hospital in Delhi or near you. A child under the age of 2 or over the age of 7 has knock knees. Only one leg is affected. There are other symptoms, such as knee pain or difficulty walking.

You have any other concerns about the way your child stands or walks. You develop knock knees in adulthood. Knock Knees Causes Knock Knees (Genu valgum) can stem from a multitude of underlying factors. Understanding the diverse genu valgum causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Consult Dr. Kumar Deepak in Lucknow

Persistent joint, bone, or muscle symptoms deserve a structured evaluation rather than repeated self-treatment alone.

Dr. Kumar Deepak — M.S. Ortho (Gold Medalist), F.I.J.R | ASAMI | AO Trauma — consults at The OrthoVision Clinic and Remedy Medicity, Lucknow. Call to book an appointment and discuss a plan suited to your activity level.