Knock Knees

Q: Are exercises effective for adults with knock knees?

Exercises may reduce symptoms but cannot realign bones in adults. Surgery is typically needed for structural correction.

Q: What is the recovery time after knock knee surgery?

Most patients resume basic activities in 6–12 weeks . Full recovery, including sports, may take 3–6 months.

What Are Knock Knees? (Genu Valgum)

Knock knees, or genu valgum, is a condition where the knees angle inward and come into contact while the ankles remain apart. This creates a characteristic appearance like knees touch, but the feet do not align beneath them.

This condition is normal during early childhood as part of skeletal development, typically resolving by age 7–8. However, if the deformity persists beyond that age, worsens, or causes discomfort, it may be classified as pathological knock knees. It can also develop later in life due to injury or underlying medical issues.

Knock knees can occur symmetrically or asymmetrically, affecting one or both legs. While often harmless in toddlers, persistent or adult-onset genu valgum may affect mobility, cause pain, and lead to long-term joint complications if not addressed.

The etiology of knock knees is multifactorial:

Developmental: Part of normal growth in toddlers, resolving spontaneously in most cases.
Genetic Factors: Family history can influence skeletal alignment.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Rickets, caused by vitamin D deficiency, is a major cause in developing countries.
Renal Disease: Chronic kidney disease affects calcium-phosphate balance, impairing bone development.
Metabolic or Endocrine Disorders: Conditions like hypothyroidism can disturb bone growth.
Injury/Trauma: Damage to the growth plates during childhood can cause angular deformity.
Bone Infection: Osteomyelitis can compromise growth and alignment.
Obesity: Excess weight places abnormal stress on growing joints, exacerbating the angulation.

Identifying the underlying cause is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment strategy.

Common clinical features of knock knees include:

Visible inward knee angulation: Knees touch while ankles stay apart.
Abnormal gait: Limping, waddling, or swinging leg motion.
Joint pain: Discomfort in the knees, hips, ankles, or lower back.
Reduced range of motion: Especially during bending or walking.
Instability: Frequent tripping or difficulty balancing.
Unequal leg length: In severe or unilateral cases.
Early-onset arthritis: Due to uneven joint loading if untreated.

These signs may affect daily activities, sports participation, and overall confidence especially in teenagers and adults.

When to See an Orthopaedic Specialist

Consult an orthopaedic surgeon if:

Knock knees persist beyond age 7–8
Your child complains of pain, imbalance, or difficulty running
The deformity appears asymmetrical or progressive
There’s a family history of bone or joint disease
You’re an adult experiencing knee instability or discomfort
The cosmetic appearance causes emotional distress

Early evaluation is critical to determine whether conservative management or surgical correction is necessary.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation:

Physical Examination: Observes alignment, gait, and range of motion.
Gait Analysis: Identifies abnormal walking patterns or compensation.
Standing X-rays: Evaluate the mechanical axis and pinpoint the deformity (femur vs tibia).
Blood Tests: Rule out rickets, infections, or metabolic bone disease.
Limb Length and Angle Measurement: Tools like intermalleolar distance and valgus angle help quantify severity.

A precise diagnosis helps your orthopedic surgeon plan a personalized treatment pathway.

Observation: In toddlers and preschoolers, genu valgum is often physiological and resolves naturally.
Bracing: For children and adolescents, customized braces or night splints help guide proper bone growth.
Physical Therapy

Strengthens supporting muscles
Improves joint stability
Reduces discomfort in knees and hips

Exercise Programs: Targeted movements includes

Hip abduction drills
Glute bridges
Resistance band work
Gentle squats and stretches

Orthotic Devices: Shoe inserts correct minor gait imbalances and relieve strain on joints.
Weight Loss: In overweight children or adults, weight reduction can significantly improve joint load distribution.
Treating Root Causes

Vitamin D and calcium supplementation
Management of infections
Hormonal or metabolic treatment if needed

Surgery is considered when:

Deformity is severe
Knock knees persist into adolescence/adulthood
Non-surgical methods fail

Guided Growth Surgery: Temporary metal plates are inserted near the growth plate to gradually correct alignment. Ideal for growing children.
Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO): A corrective bone cut is made in the femur to realign the leg. Common in older teens and adults.
High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO): When the tibia is the main source of angulation, it is surgically reshaped.
Combined Osteotomy: Used in complex deformities involving both the femur and tibia.
5. Arthroscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive technique used in select cases to address intra-articular pathology.

Patient involvement is crucial to successful outcomes.

Treatment Duration: Average of 1 month per 1 cm of bone transported.
Daily Distraction Adjustments: The Patient or caregiver turns the fixator’s adjusters as per schedule.
Physiotherapy: Essential to maintain joint mobility, prevent stiffness, and regain function.
Regular Imaging: To monitor regenerated bone and frame alignment.

Frame Removal: Done once consolidation is complete, followed by a gradual return to full weight-bearing.

Benefits of Knock Knee Correction

Restores normal limb alignment
Improves balance, gait, and joint function
Relieves chronic pain in knees and hips
Prevents long-term joint degeneration
Enhances self-confidence and physical performance

Timely intervention can improve both function and appearance, especially in active individuals or those in public-facing roles.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery depends on the intervention type:

Bracing and therapy: Require long-term commitment (6–12 months)
Surgery: Post-op recovery is typically 6–12 weeks

Rehabilitation Includes:

Structured physical therapy
Range-of-motion and strength exercises
Gradual return to daily activities and sports
Regular X-rays and clinic follow-ups

Success also depends on patient adherence, family support, and close coordination with your orthopedic care team.

If Left Untreated:

Early-onset osteoarthritis
Chronic knee pain
Gait imbalance and leg fatigue
Hip and lower back strain
Increased risk of meniscus tears or ligament instability

Post-Surgical Risks:

Infection or bleeding
Nerve or vessel damage
Delayed bone healing
Recurrence of deformity
Over or under-correction

These risks are minimized under the supervision of a skilled orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Divya Ahuja.

Provide children with a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Monitor for early signs of limb deformity
Encourage regular outdoor play and physical activity
Treat any underlying metabolic or skeletal disorders early

Avoid obesity through healthy lifestyle habits

In adults, surgical correction is often the only effective solution, as bones have stopped growing. Techniques such as osteotomy or joint-preserving surgery are tailored to the individual’s deformity and joint condition.

Adult knock knees are typically less cosmetic and more functional, often driven by pain, instability, or arthritis.

Why Choose Dr. Divya Ahuja for Knock Knee Correction?

Dr. Divya Ahuja is a reputed expert in pediatric and adult limb deformity correction with a proven track record in managing complex cases of genu valgum.

What you can expect:

Accurate diagnosis using modern imaging and gait analysis
Non-surgical and surgical expertise tailored to your needs
Advanced facilities for minimally invasive surgery and bracing
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation team
Compassionate care with outstanding success rates

Book Your Consultation Today

If you or your child is dealing with persistent knock knees, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention can protect joint health and improve quality of life.

📅 Schedule a consultation with Dr. Divya Ahuja for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

📍 Available at leading orthopedic centers with advanced facilities.
📞 Call or visit our website to book your appointment

Knock Knees

What Are Knock Knees? (Genu Valgum)

Causes of Knock Knees

Signs and Symptoms of Knock Knees

When to See an Orthopaedic Specialist

Diagnosis

Treatment Options - Non-Surgical Approaches

Treatment Options - Surgical Options

Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Aftercare

Benefits of Knock Knee Correction

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Risks and Possible Complications

If Left Untreated:

Post-Surgical Risks:

Prevention and Early Intervention

Special Considerations for Adults

Why Choose Dr. Divya Ahuja for Knock Knee Correction?

Book Your Consultation Today

Frequently Asked Questions about Knock Knees

Can knock knees be corrected without surgery?

Are exercises effective for adults with knock knees?

What is the recovery time after knock knee surgery?

Does correcting knock knees prevent arthritis?

Is the condition hereditary?

Will my child outgrow knock knees?

Are knock knees painful?

What is the cost of knock-knee correction surgery?

Can knock knees cause leg length discrepancy?

Is it too late to correct knock knees in adults?

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