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Knocking Knees Are A Real Thing

woman with knocked knees

Most of us have heard of people being “bowlegged”, when the legs are bent outward at the thigh region. And most of us have heard of the phrase “knocking knees”, implying that one is so nervous their knees knock together. Did you know that there is a leg deformity that is called knock knees? Today we are exploring this condition, how it affects the lives of people with the deformity, and if it can be corrected.

What Exactly Is Knock Knees?
Knock knees, also known as genu valgum, is when the legs are aligned so that the knees touch when standing up properly. It is the opposite of a bowlegged person, where the thighs round inward and the calves bow out. It is most often developed in early childhood and is usually treated then. However, some older children and adults do develop the condition later in life. Fortunately, there is knock knee correction surgeries that can align your legs properly. It can affect one leg or both legs.

What Causes The Condition?
Most cases of knock knee are harmless and can be corrected. There are a number of reasons why a person may be born with or develop it later in life. Genetic disorders and metabolic bone disorders usually cause knock knees and will require treatment early on. Developing the condition in childhood or adulthood is usually due to:

  • Overweight/obesity,
  • Vitamin D deficiency,
  • Calcium deficiency,
  • Arthritis in the knee,
  • Injury to the knee or leg.

Are There Other Symptoms?
While the physical appearance of the condition is the most likely symptom, there are other symptoms that appear that require treatment to alleviate. Most often, the child or adult will experience pain in the knee, feet, ankle, and hips. Stiff joints and limping are also most associated. Depending on the severity of the condition, one could experience problems maintaining their balance.

Treating The Condition
There are numerous ways to treat the deformity and will depend on the severity of the condition and the cause. If the condition is due to a disorder, the disorder will have to be treated before the legs can be treated. If it is due to weight issues, the doctor will more than likely suggest weight loss or more extreme measures to remove the weight that is bearing hard on the bones. Exercise and stretches are most often prescribed no matter the reason. For young children, stretches can naturally align the knees properly without a need for anything invasive. Orthotics are often used to help straighten the legs while a child grows and keeps the knees from bending inwards. Knock knee surgery is a last resort for adults with a severe situation and when all other treatments have not or will not work. There is a surgery for children that places a plate in their knee to guide growth and then surgery again to remove it.

Is It Preventable?
When it comes to disorders that one is born with, no you cannot prevent this disorder. If it is due to extreme weight gain or an injury, you can take measures to take care of yourself and avoid the disorder. It is important to note that you may not avoid the disorder by taking care of yourself but you can lessen the effects of it.
Knock knees is not something many doctors are really concerned with. Most children outgrow the condition by adolescents and many adults do take measures to avoid the condition. If you develop the problem, remember that treatment is fairly easy and you will be back to “normal” before you know it.

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