Knock knees, also known as genu valgum, is a condition when a person has a huge gap between the feet when they stand, and their knees are together. Most of the growing young children have knock knees that usually start to appear when they turn three or four. Knock knees are a normal part of growing up when there is the development of bones. The legs start to straighten by themselves as the children grow older and reach their adolescence. Many people notice knock knees even during their teens and even adulthood. Though it is usually not a condition to worry about, it can also be related to other problems that may include bone diseases.
People with knock knees rarely have some serious underlying issue or concern that needs treatment. If knock knees do not improve with age, it is not a sign of worry, yet many people who experience it might opt for My Knock Knee Fix. If you want to learn about the usual symptoms of knock knees, you can continue reading.
Knock knees symptoms
Someone who has knock knees will stand with the knees together, and the lower legs shall be spread out. This will make the feet and ankles remain further apart as usual. People with knock knees will have a small space between their ankles which is completely normal. This also happens with children who do not have knock knees have fewer gaps. However, children with knock knees can have around 8 cm of space.
Knock knees do not cause any problems generally; however, some people have complained to experience knee pain while walking or a limp. This can be treated by wearing ankle and knee support or by applying ointments to the area affected. Knock knees that do not improve with age can put the knees under further pressure, making knees vulnerable to joint-related conditions such as arthritis. People who experience frequent pain in the knees might also be more vulnerable to injuries.
Medical advice for knock knees
Knock knees are common and usually do not need any treatment or medical advice. However, if a child or person experiences pain frequently, they should consult a medical provider. One must visit their doctor if-
- the space between ankles is more than eight centimeters when standing, and the knees are together
- The difference between the angle of lower legs with the upper legs when standing is greater
- The knee aches are getting worse
- When a child develops knock knees under two years of age or when the child is more than seven years old.
- Problem is only in one leg.
- Difficulty while walking and persistent joint ache.
- developing knock knees during adulthood
If any of the above conditions are meeting, you should consult your doctor for a correct diagnosis. The doctor will examine the condition of the leg and ask questions about pain while walking or any other concerns.
Causes
Knock knees are one of the most common conditions found in growing children. They are considered to be a normal thing during growth and development. Knock knees straighten with growing age, but many adults have mild knock knees. Very rarely, some of the conditions might worsen with time. The causes might usually be as follows-
- rickets can occur due to vitamin D deficiency and calcium deficiency.
- extra pressure on knees because of excessive weight gain or obesity can also affect the ligament in the knees.
- a knee injury and infection can affect the knee health or leg bones
- genetic conditions
Treatment
Most of the cases of knock knees do not require any treatment. The condition is self-treatable and tends to go away as the child grows old. There is no need for additional or extra physical activity that can fix the issue. There is also no requirement to wear supportive knee gear or shoes. If there is mild pain along with the condition, one can consult a doctor for proper advice.
The knock knees condition that is a bit severe might be because of some underlying health issue. In such cases, the underlying problem should be treated to reduce the symptoms of knock knees. Surgery might also be required in some extreme cases to treat knock knees. Osteotomies can be used for adults who have severe knock knees.