Knock knee, also known as “genu valgum”, is a condition that affects persons of all ages. Correcting the deformity will enhance knee mechanics and walking ability, as well as lessen discomfort and slow the course of a knee injury. The other names of Knock knee include knock-knee deformity, knock-knee syndrome, knocked knee. 

For most youngsters, temporarily knocked knees are part of a normal, natural growth period. As the youngster develops, this generally corrects itself. Knock knees that last longer than six years are severe cases.

SYMPTOMS:

When a person’s knees are positioned together, the most noticeable indication of a knock knee is a separation of the ankles. Other symptoms, such as soreness, are frequently caused by the stride (walking style) used by patients with knock knees. These signs and symptoms might include:

  • Hips have a limited range of motion.
  • Difficulties walking or jogging
  • Increasing knee arthritis in adulthood
  • Knee instability

CAUSES:

Knock knee might result from an infection or a severe knee injury, or it can be caused by an underlying congenital or developmental condition. The following are some of the most common causes of knock knees:

  • Renal (kidney) failure 
  • Metabolic disease
  • Bodily injury (injury)
  • Rickets is a kind of rickets (a bone disease caused by lack of vitamin D)
  • Conditions that are congenital (inborn)
  • Damage to the growth plate
  • Bone tumours that are benign

TYPES:

  •  Physiological Knock knee
  • Pathological Knock knee

DIAGNOSIS:

The patient’s medical and family history, as well as any pre-existing illnesses and current health, will be reviewed by an orthopedist. A physical assessment of the legs and gait will also be performed. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a standing-alignment X-ray or EOS pictures. These are radiographic pictures of the leg from the hip to the ankle that assist the clinician in determining the exact position and mechanical axis of the deformity.

TREATMENT

Several studies have shown that exercise can assist patients with knock-knees, strengthen their leg muscles and improve their posture and balance. This may also apply to young people with knock-knees, according to studies, although there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that exercise might help youngsters with the problem. Thus, exercise is considered an effective Knock knee treatment

Orthotics are shoe inserts that improve a person’s gait or the way his or her foot touches the ground when walking or running. This might be especially beneficial for persons who have genu valgum or one leg that is longer than the other.

When a person has a knocked knee, surgery is rarely the initial therapeutic option. Surgery is normally reserved for severe knock-knees and situations in which stretching, weight loss, and exercise have failed to reduce discomfort.

KNOCK KNEE EXERCISES:

The following are the common Knock knee exercises that provide an effective cure:

Lateral Band Walk

The lateral band walk is a resistance band workout that gradually strengthens weak hip abductors and glutes to help rehabilitate knock knee leg.

STEPS TO BE FOLLOWED:

  • Place a resistance band around your legs just above your knees and begin in a standing position.
  • As you lower your body into a squatting stance, continue bending your knees and pressing your hips back.
  • Begin to step your right foot to the right side while squatting. You’ll want to engage (lift) your hips a little when you step to the right.
  • After then, shift your left foot to the right till it reaches your right foot. Your right and left feet should be together at this stage. Maintaining the tension in the band will prevent your knees from turning inward while you do these exercises.
  • Continue switching sides by stepping to the opposing side. Make sure each side gets the same number of reps.

Side Lunge

By strengthening your hip abductors and a few other muscles that support your knee joint, side lunge exercises will help you get rid of knock knees.

STEPS FOLLOWED:

  • Start by standing as straight as you can. Position your feet at the same width as your shoulders when you stand.
  • Now, using your right foot, take one step to the right. When you take a step, make sure it’s as broad as you can go. You should also keep your left leg as straight as possible, so it doesn’t slide over.
  • Return to the beginning position by pushing your right heel off the ground after stretching your right leg as far as it can go to the right. A rep is complete when you reach this point.
  • To address the problem, perform 15 to 20 reps of this exercise, then repeat the steps above with your left leg.