Knock knees (genu valgum) explained: explore common symptoms like knees touching and ankles apart, potential causes from childhood development to bone disorders, and treatment options.
Knock knees, or genu valgum, it’s one of those things, isn’t it? You might’ve heard the term thrown around, but what’s actually behind it? What causes it? What can you do about it?
Today, we’re going to unpack everything about knock knees so let’s find out more.
What Are Knock Knees?
Knock knees, or genu valgum, is when someone stands with their knees together, and their ankles are far apart. Basically, if you stand straight, knees touching, and there’s a noticeable gap between your ankles, we’re talkin’ knock knees. You might notice it ’cause the knees point inward. It’s pretty common.
Knock knees are actually pretty normal in kids; super common, in fact. It’s kinda part of growing up:
- About 20% of kids aged 3 have them.
- Only around 1% of kids still have ’em by age 7.
Usually, this straightens out all on its own as kids grow, without needing any intervention, naturally, and there are only a few rare cases:
- Knock knees usually fix themselves as a kid gets older, usually by the time they hit the pre-teen years.
- Older kids sometimes get knock knees, but that can be because of other underlying issues.
That said, sometimes knock knees stick around. They can be caused by underlying conditions, which means it’s important to keep an eye on them, especially when considering available treatments and whatnot.
While there are many treatment options available, let’s say a person lives in an area without easy access to specialized physical therapy or advanced medical interventions? They may need to know more about at-home exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can help manage their condition, which are important considerations we’ll have to explore in a future update.
Symptoms of Knock Knees
The obvious sign of knock knees is well, the knees knocking together when you stand. The whole point of the knees touching when the ankles are apart. But, it can sometimes lead to other problems down the road, and it is important to catch this issue earlier rather than later:
- Pain in the knees.
- Awkward walking.
- Pain in the feet, hips, and ankles.
- Being clumsy.
- Having trouble balancing.
Causes of Knock Knees
There are lots of possible reasons someone might get knock knees, whether they’re a kiddo or an adult. A few common causes we’ve noticed:
- Bone disorders like rickets.
And there are also things that increase the risk:
- Being overweight.
- Arthritis, or any other joint issue.
- Injuries.
- Not getting enough vitamin D or calcium.
Treatment of Knock Knees
How to deal with knock knees depends on what’s causing ’em. A doctor will look at the underlying issue and what’s goin’ on, and then figure out the best way to treat it. Treatment options might be one of these:
1. Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions
Treating the root cause is key. If something’s causing the knock knees, like a nutritional issue or something, you gotta tackle that first. It depends on the situation, and a doctor will figure out what’s up and how to fix it.
2. Physical Therapy
A doctor might suggest physical therapy to strengthen the right muscles. A physical therapist can tailor exercises just for you, or might point you to someone who specializes in physical therapy.
3. Orthotics
Special shoe inserts can help take pressure off the knees. In that case, the doctor might set you up with a treatment plan that involves supportive gear along with a healthy diet and appropriate exercises. The goal is to keep too much stress off the knees.
4. Braces
Braces are sometimes used to help correct alignment. These are custom-made pieces that are measured to help you with movement, and the way you stand in the world and walk.
5. Surgery
While surgery isn’t usually the go-to for knock knees, it can be necessary in some cases. Like, really rare cases:
- Severe cases of knock knees.
- If nothing else is working to relieve pain and other symptoms.
Keep in mind that treating mild knock knees is, more often than not, kinda unnecessary. Not providing the proper treatment for a child or adult can sometimes lead to other health problems further down the line like arthritis.
Key takeaways
- Knock knees are common in young children and usually correct themselves.
- If knock knees persist or develop in older individuals, it’s essential to identify and address the underlying cause.
- Treatment options range from addressing underlying conditions to physical therapy, orthotics, bracing, and, in rare cases, surgery.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Are knock knees always a problem?
Not necessarily. They’re common in young kids and often straighten out on their own. But if they’re severe or happen in older folks, it’s worth checking out.
Can exercise fix knock knees?
Exercise alone might not completely fix knock knees, but physical therapy and targeted exercises can strengthen muscles and improve alignment.
Is surgery the only way to correct severe knock knees?
Surgery is considered in severe cases where other treatments haven’t worked. There are usually several steps a person can take that can help avoid the need for more invasive procedures.
Here are a few testimonials from real people who had to face this issue:
I remember being so worried when I noticed my child’s legs were a bit bent. We went to the doctor, and it turned out to be knock knees. The doctor said it was normal for her age, and sure enough, it straightened out as she grew. Such a relief!
I had knock knees as a kid, and I was always so self-conscious about it. I was always tripping, especially when I was younger. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized it wasn’t a big deal and found ways to manage any discomfort.
As an adult, I started experiencing knee pain, and it turned out I had developed knock knees. Physical therapy helped a lot, and I learned exercises to strengthen my leg muscles. It made a huge difference in my daily life.
And that’s knock knees in a nutshell. It’s wild how common they are, especially in kids, but it’s also kinda cool how our bodies often sort themselves out. From our experience, staying informed and proactive is key. If somethin’ feels off, don’t hesitate to chat with a healthcare pro. You’re the only one who can advocate for your own health journey, after all.
