What Are Knock Knees?
Knock knees, or genu valgum is a condition in which the knees are bent inward and touch each other while the ankles remain apart. This condition is prevalent among children below seven years of age as their bones and joints are still growing. However, some individuals may continue to experience knock knees as adults, which may lead to discomfort and pain.
Patients typically seek evaluation for genu valgum during the age range of three to five years. While the most common site of deformity is the distal femur (thigh bone), it can also originate from the tibia (shinbone). It is estimated that up to 20 percent of children may have some degree of knock knees during their development.
What Are the Causes of Knock Knees?
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Genetic Factors: Some people may be born with a predisposition to knock knees due to genetic factors.
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Growth and Development: Knock knees are prevalent in children under the age of seven as their bones and joints are still developing. As the child grows, their bones and joints align properly, correcting the knock knees.
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Obesity: Excess weight can place additional stress on the knees and cause them to bend inward.
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Injury to Growth Plate: An injury to the knee or leg can cause damage to the growth plate of the knee joint and become misaligned, leading to knock knees.
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Skeletal Dysplasia: It is a rare genetic condition that can affect bone growth and development, leading to knock knees.
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Rickets: Rickets is a bone condition that develops as a result of prolonged Vitamin D or calcium deficiency that can cause bones to weaken and deform, leading to knock knees.
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Osteomalacia: Osteomalacia is a condition in which the bones become soft and weak, making them more prone to deformities such as knock knees.
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Benign Tumor of Bone: Abnormal growth around the knee region may cause this condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Knock Knees?
The primary symptom of knock knees is the inward curvature of the knees. Knees touch or nearly touch when standing with the feet together. Ankles are farther apart than the knees. Legs may appear bowed or curved. However, knock knees can also cause other symptoms, which include:
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Pain or discomfort in the knees, particularly during physical activity.
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Stiffness in joints.
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Limping while walking.
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Difficulty walking, running, or participating in sports or other physical activities.
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Instability or a feeling of the knee giving way.
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Knock knees may cause joint damage or arthritis over time in severe cases.
How Can Knock Knees Be Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of knock knees, or genu valgum, typically involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. During the physical examination, the healthcare professional will observe the alignment of the legs while the individual stands and walks. They may also assess the range of motion of the knee joint. Sometimes, additional diagnostic tests may be done to determine the underlying cause of knock knees or to rule out other conditions. Various imaging techniques can aid in the diagnosis of knock knees, including the following:
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X-Rays: X-rays can provide a detailed view of bones and joints to assess the alignment and degree of curvature of the knees.
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CT (Computed Tomography) Scans: This scan can provide more detailed images of the bones to identify any structural abnormalities or underlying conditions responsible for knock knees.
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scans: This imaging test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the soft tissues around the knee joint, helping to identify muscular imbalances or other underlying conditions causing knock knees.
What Is the Treatment for Knock Knees?
The treatment choices available for knock knees differ based on the individual's severity and the root cause of the condition. While some cases of knock knees may resolve on their own as a child grows and develops, others may require more active interventions. Common treatments for knock knees include:
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Observation: Children under seven years old with knock knees may be monitored to determine if the condition resolves on its own as they grow and develop.
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Physical Therapy: This treatment option can strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint, improving alignment and mobility. Physical therapy is often recommended for individuals with mild to moderate knock knees or as an additional treatment to other interventions.
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Weight Loss: In cases where obesity or excess weight is contributing to knock knees, weight loss may be recommended to reduce stress on the knee joint.
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Medication: In some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids may be suggested to alleviate pain and inflammation.
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Treat Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as rickets or vitamin D deficiency, can be treated with calcium and vitamin D supplements. This can help improve alignment and reduce the risk of developing a knock knee.
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Surgery: Severe cases of knock knees that are causing pain, discomfort, or joint damage may require surgery. The underlying cause of knock knees determines the particular type of surgery being performed and may involve realigning the bones or correcting any structural abnormalities.
What Are the Surgeries Performed for Knock Knees?
Surgery may be required if knock knees do not respond to other treatments or are causing significant discomfort, pain, or joint damage. The type of surgery required will depend on the condition's underlying cause and the individual's unique needs and circumstances. Here are some typical surgical options for knock knees:
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Osteotomy: In this surgery, the bones in the leg are cut and realigned to improve alignment and reduce the severity of knock knees. During the procedure, the surgeon may remove a wedge of bone from the shinbone or thigh bone and secure it in a new position with screws or plates.
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Growth Plate Surgery: Children or adolescents with knock knees caused by growth plate abnormalities may undergo surgery to correct the growth plate and improve alignment.
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Total Knee Replacement: This surgery may be necessary for severe cases of knock knees that are causing significant joint damage and cannot be treated with other interventions. During the procedure, the damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificially made metal and plastic joint.
Conclusion
Knock knees are more common in young children and often resolve on their own in most cases. Maintaining a proper posture, a healthy weight through regular workouts, and a well-balanced diet can help relieve stress on the knee joint, thereby reducing the chance of developing knock knees. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, most cases of knock knees can be effectively managed, and individuals can continue to lead active and healthy lives.
