Knocked Knees: Causes, Symptoms and Possible Solutions
Knock knees (or genu valgum) are a common problem. It is found when the knee bends inward towards the other leg, typically at an acute angle.
Knock knees (or genu valgum) are a common problem. It is found when the knee bends inward towards the other leg, typically at an acute angle. Knock knees can interfere with both walking and sitting, so it’s essential to know how to treat them early on before they become too problematic.
What are knock knees?
Knock knees can be caused by a muscular imbalance in the legs. It can also occur during growth spurts in children that outgrow their muscle strength too quickly before they have time to strengthen their muscles properly. Another cause is a congenital orthopaedic issue such as a club foot.
What is knee valgus angle?
The knee valgus angle is the measurement of how much the knee bends inward towards the other leg. This angle is typically measured with a goniometer, which is an instrument that measures joint angles.
The normal range for the knee valgus angle is 0-15 degrees. An angle of 30 degrees or more is considered a significant change and can interfere with walking and sitting.
Are mild knock knees bad?
A mild condition is usually not a cause for concern. However, if the situation progresses, it can lead to a number of problems with walking and sitting. In extreme cases, knock knees may require Surgery in order to correct them.
Do knock knees cause problems?
While not necessarily a serious issue, they can lead to knee pain and walking difficulties. Knock knees may also add an extra strain on specific body parts such as the hips and back, which in turn may lead to more complications down the road.
Causes of knock knees
There is no one single cause for genu valgum. However, some of the most common causes are muscular imbalance, outgrowing muscle strength too quickly, and congenital orthopaedic issues.
- Flat Feet – your feet, particularly if they are flat, can stress the medial ligaments of your knee. While flat feet do not cause you to be knock-kneed, individuals who are knock-kneed frequently have flat feet.
- Muscular Imbalance – knock knees can occur due to muscular imbalance in the legs. For example, if there is too much strength and flexibility on one side of the leg, it will pull that knee inward. If caused by muscle imbalances then it typically can improve with time as your body develops better balance and strength over time.
- Outgrowing the Strength – knock knees can also occur in children that grow too quickly before they have time to properly strengthen their leg muscles. This is a concern for families with tall or large kids, as it can often lead to muscular imbalances over time due to repeated shifting of weight.
- Congenital Orthopaedic Issues -Knock-knees can also be caused by a congenital orthopaedic problem known as club foot, the most frequent cause of knock-knees in newborns and infants. Club foot is when the muscles of the foot are inadequately developed or positioned.
- Injury – injury to the knee, leading to poor mechanics within the knee joint.
- Pregnancy – knock knees can often occur during pregnancy due to the added weight and shift in balance.
- Age – knock knees are more common in older adults due to natural wear and tear on the body.
- Obesity – obesity is also a risk factor as the extra weight may put extra strain on the joints.
- High Heels – high heeled shoes may lead to muscular imbalances over time.
- Toe Walking – knock knees can also be caused by a condition called toe walking. Children walk on their toes instead of flat-footed, causing muscle imbalance.
- Repetitive stress – can also occur due to repetitive stress or overuse injuries.
- Muscle Weakness -Knock knees can also be triggered by muscular weakness or instability in the hips, which is why it’s vital to contact a health care professional if you’re experiencing other associated symptoms.
Symptoms of knock knees
The most common symptom of knock knees is when the knee bends inward towards the other leg. With an acute angle it can interfere with both walking and sitting, so it’s important to know how to treat them early on before they become too problematic.
Symptoms may include:
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty sitting
Possible solutions for knock knees
There are a few possible solutions for knock knees. Some of the most common solutions are:
- Exercises – exercises can help improve muscular balance and strength in the legs, which can help to correct knock knees over time. Several exercises can help, which your therapist can help to identify.
- Orthotics – orthotics are shoe inserts that can help improve alignment and stability in the feet, which can also help correct knock knees over time.
- Surgery – Surgery is a last resort option for severe cases of knock knees. It is typically only used if other treatments have not been successful. Surgery involves correcting the alignment of the knee joint.
Risks and complications with knock knees
With any condition or orthopaedic issue, there are always risks and complications that should be considered. Some of the risks and complications include:
- Knee pain is one of the most common risks and complications associated with knock knees. This can be caused by the knee positioning themselves or by other conditions that may be present alongside knee alignment issues.
- Hip pain – as the hips are responsible for assisting in the movement of the knee joint.
- Joint pain – knock knees can also cause joint pain due to the misalignment of the knee joint.
- Back pain – back pain due to the knee positioning causing an additional strain on the back.
- Arthritis – muscle weakness or instability in the hips can cause degenerative arthritis, which is when there is a deterioration of cartilage and bone due to wear over time.
- Ligament injuries – knock knees can also cause injury to ligaments or structures that attach bone to bone.
- Posture issues – knock knees can also interfere with your posture over time. This will likely worsen over time without treatment.
- Difficulty walking – knock knees can also cause difficulty walking, making it difficult to maintain balance.
- Difficulty sitting – knock knees can also cause difficulty sitting, causing an additional strain on the hips and back.
As you can see, knock knees can cause various symptoms and problems. It is essential to seek professional help if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. There are many different possible solutions available, which your therapist can help identify and recommend for you. Always consult with your health care professional before starting any new exercise or treatment program.
Finally
Knock-knees can cause a variety of symptoms and problems. It is essential to seek professional help if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. There are many different possible solutions available, which your therapist can help identify and recommend for you. Always consult with your health care professional before starting any new exercise or treatment program. By taking prevention steps such as exercises, orthotics or, in rare cases, Surgery, knock knees should not be an issue in the future!
PLEASE NOTE
PostureGeek.com does not provide medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical attention. The information provided should not replace the advice and expertise of an accredited health care provider. Any inquiry into your care and any potential impact on your health and wellbeing should be directed to your health care provider. All information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care or treatment.