What Causes Knock Knees?

Knock knees, or genu valgum, is a condition where the knees angle inward and touch while the ankles remain apart. It can affect both children and adults, leading to difficulties in walking, running, and daily activities. Identifying the causes early is key to preventing joint pain, posture problems, and long-term complications like arthritis.

At Lokmanya Hospitals in Pune, patients receive expert care from experienced orthopedic doctors. With advanced diagnostics and modern treatment techniques, the hospital provides personalized plans to correct knee alignment and ensure effective recovery, making it one of the best orthopedic hospitals in India.

Causes of Knock Knees

Knock knees, medically called genu valgum, can occur due to multiple factors. Understanding these causes helps in timely diagnosis and planning effective treatment.

1. Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in the development of knock knees. Children whose parents or close family members had knock knees are more likely to develop the condition. This is because inherited bone growth patterns can affect how the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) align during development.

2. Growth Abnormalities

Uneven or abnormal growth of bones during childhood can lead to inward angling of the knees. For example, if one leg grows faster than the other or the growth plates are uneven, it can result in knock knees. In some cases, mild misalignment may self-correct as the child grows, but severe imbalances can persist into adulthood.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Insufficient intake of essential nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium can weaken bones, making them more prone to deformities. Vitamin D deficiency, in particular, can cause rickets, a condition that softens bones and contributes to knock knees in children. Adequate nutrition is critical for healthy bone growth and alignment.

4. Injury or Trauma

Fractures, dislocations, or injuries around the knee, thigh, or lower leg can disrupt normal bone healing. If the bones do not heal properly, it may lead to inward angling of the knees over time. Even minor trauma during childhood can sometimes result in misalignment that persists into adulthood.

5. Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can affect bone structure and growth, increasing the risk of knock knees. Common examples include:

• Rickets: Weakens bones due to vitamin D deficiency.
• Arthritis: Chronic joint inflammation can alter knee alignment in adults.
• Metabolic Bone Disorders: Conditions affecting bone density or growth can cause deformities, including genu valgum.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on age, severity, and underlying cause:

• Observation: Mild cases in children may improve naturally as bones grow.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening muscles around the knees, hips, and thighs improves posture, alignment, and mobility.
• Orthotic Devices: Braces or shoe inserts help realign the knees and provide support.
• Surgical Intervention: Severe or adult cases may require procedures like osteotomy or guided growth surgery to correct bone alignment, followed by physiotherapy for recovery.

Why Choose Lokmanya Hospitals for Knock Knee Treatment

Lokmanya Hospitals is one of Pune’s leading orthopedic centers, providing specialized care for patients with knock knees. The hospital’s team of experienced orthopedic surgeons evaluates each case carefully and recommends personalized treatment plans, whether non-surgical or surgical.

The hospital also offers comprehensive post-treatment care, including physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and lifestyle guidance. Using modern surgical techniques, advanced diagnostic tools, and patient-focused care, Lokmanya Hospitals is recognized as one of the best hospitals for orthopedic treatment in India, ensuring optimal results and long-term knee health.

Conclusion

Knock knees can develop due to multiple factors such as genetics, growth abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, or injuries. Early evaluation and understanding the root cause are essential for effective treatment and long-term joint health.

Choosing Lokmanya Hospitals ensures access to expert orthopedic doctors, advanced treatment methods, and structured rehabilitation programs. Patients benefit from improved knee alignment, reduced pain, better mobility, and enhanced overall quality of life.

FAQs  

1. What causes knock knees in children and adults?
Genetics, growth abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, injuries, or medical conditions like arthritis can cause knock knees.
2. Can knock knees correct naturally?
Mild cases in children may self-correct with growth, but adult knock knees often require treatment.
3. How is knock knee diagnosed?
Through physical examination, measuring knee angles, and imaging like X-rays, CT, or MRI for detailed assessment.
4. What are the symptoms of knock knees?
Touching knees, abnormal gait, joint pain, difficulty walking or running, and early onset of joint discomfort.
5. Can braces help treat knock knees?
Yes, braces or orthotic devices can improve alignment in mild cases, especially in children.
6. Is surgery needed for adult knock knees?
Severe cases in adults may require surgical intervention such as osteotomy or guided growth procedures.
7. What lifestyle changes help with knock knees?
Maintaining a healthy weight, low-impact exercises, and physiotherapy can reduce stress on knees and improve alignment.
8. Why choose Lokmanya Hospitals for treatment?
Lokmanya Hospitals provides expert orthopedic care, advanced treatment techniques, and comprehensive rehabilitation, making it one of the best hospitals for knock knee treatment in India.