Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)

Knock knees are when a child’s legs angle inward. Their knees may touch together with a gap between their ankles when they’re standing straight. The medical name for it is genu valgum.

It’s very common for young children to have knock knees. Most kids grow out of it naturally as they get older. Your child might need treatment when they’re older if having knock knees causes pain or makes it hard for them to move.

Knock knee symptoms

The way your child’s knees angle together is the most obvious symptom. It usually develops in kids between the ages of 3 and 5.

Nobody’s legs are perfectly straight. But normally, your knees and ankles will be the same distance apart when you stand with your legs together. If your child has genu valgum, their knees will touch, and there will be a noticeable gap between their ankles.

Knock knee causes

Knock knees usually happen because of natural variations in your child’s leg bones. It’s usually a normal part of their growth process. In most cases, there isn’t a specific cause.

It’s much less common, but health conditions that affect your child’s bones can lead to knock knees. Other causes can include:

• Bone infections
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Rickets
• Joint hypermobility issues or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

How doctors diagnose this condition

A healthcare provider will diagnose knock knees with a physical exam. They’ll examine your child’s legs and knees. Tell your provider if your child has any pain or trouble moving. Knock knees usually doesn’t cause symptoms like these. But they can be a sign of other issues that can affect your child’s bones.

Your provider may measure the natural angle of your child’s legs. This will tell them whether your child’s thigh bones or shin bones have an unusual shape. They might order X-rays or other imaging tests to take pictures of your child’s bones. But these aren’t always needed.

How to fix knock knees

Most of the time, knock knees don’t need any treatment. Your child will probably grow out of them as they naturally develop. This usually happens by the time kids turn 7.

Your healthcare provider will keep an eye on your child’s growth. They might suggest treatments if your child has severe knock knees that cause pain or make it hard to move. Your child may need:

• Physical therapy: A physical therapist will give your child exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles in their legs. This can help them hold their legs straighter. It will also support their bones and joints better.
• Wearing a brace: This is less common. But a brace can help gently push your child’s leg bones into the correct alignment. It’s similar to how braces on their teeth work. You might need to meet with a podiatrist. This is a provider who specializes in taking care of legs, ankles and feet.
• Surgery: It’s extremely rare to need surgery for knock knees. But your provider may suggest it if your child’s bones don’t straighten out on their own.

Your child may need other treatments for a specific condition that causes knock knees. Your provider will tell you how to manage these issues.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Visit a healthcare provider as soon as you notice any changes in how your child stands or walks. Knock knees are almost always a temporary issue. But it’s still important for a provider to diagnose them. That way, you can start tracking your child’s progress as they age.

What can I expect if my child has this condition?

You should expect your child to have no long-term complications. Knock knees are common and almost always nothing to worry about. If your child needs specific treatments, you’ll have to help them understand why. Explain why they need to do their physical therapy exercises or wear their brace. Your provider can help.