What Are Knock Knees? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
PACE Hospitals offers advanced knock knees treatment in Hyderabad, India, providing comprehensive care for all forms of genu valgum, including mild knock knees, bilateral genu valgum, and complex deformities in both children and adults. Our specialists ensure precise genu valgum diagnosis through detailed clinical evaluation, alignment tests, and advanced imaging, followed by personalized treatment plans for effective correction and long-term results.
From early-stage knock knee problems to severe genu valgum deformities, we provide both non-surgical and surgical knock knee correction options with high precision and success rates. Our approach focuses on correcting leg alignment, improving mobility, reducing joint stress, and preventing future complications such as arthritis.
Knock knees (Genu Valgum) is a condition in which the knees angle inward and touch each other while the ankles remain apart when standing. It is common in young children and often corrects naturally as they grow. However, if the condition persists beyond childhood, worsens over time, or causes pain and difficulty walking, medical evaluation is important.
What are the causes of knock knees?
Knock knees may occur due to:
Normal growth and development in young children
Genetic or inherited factors
Bone disorders such as rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency
Previous fractures or injuries around the knee
Obesity, which places extra stress on the knees
Arthritis affecting the knee joint
Certain metabolic or neuromuscular disorders
Common symptoms of knock knees
Symptoms may include:
Knees touching while the ankles remain apart
An abnormal walking pattern or gait
Knee pain after prolonged standing or walking
Difficulty running or participating in sports
Uneven wear of shoes
Hip, ankle, or foot discomfort due to altered alignment
How is knock knees diagnosed?
Best Orthopedic Doctors in Hyderabad will evaluate the alignment of the legs and perform a physical examination. Depending on the severity, investigations may include:
Standing X-rays of the lower limbs
Alignment assessment
Blood tests if nutritional or metabolic bone disease is suspected
What are the treatment options?
Treatment depends on the patient's age, severity, and underlying cause.
Non-surgical treatment:
Observation in children whose condition is likely to improve naturally
Physiotherapy to improve muscle strength, balance, and gait
Weight management when obesity contributes to the condition
Treatment of nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin D deficiency
Bracing in selected growing children
Surgical treatment: Surgery may be recommended for severe deformity, persistent knock knees after skeletal maturity, progressive deformity, or significant pain and functional limitation. Surgical options may include:
Guided growth surgery (Hemiepiphysiodesis) in growing children
Corrective osteotomy in adolescents or adults to realign the bones
Knee replacement surgery if severe arthritis is the underlying cause
When should you consult an orthopaedic specialist?
Seek medical advice if:
Knock knees persist beyond 7–8 years of age
The deformity is severe or worsening
Only one leg is affected
There is persistent knee pain or limping
Walking or daily activities become difficult
The condition develops after an injury or infection
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve leg alignment, reduce pain, prevent joint damage, and restore normal mobility. If you or your child has persistent knock knees, consult an experienced orthopaedic surgeon or joint replacement specialist for a detailed evaluation and personalised treatment plan.
Why Choose PACE Hospitals for Knock Knees Treatment?
Experienced orthopaedic surgeons and joint replacement specialists
Advanced digital imaging and alignment assessment
Comprehensive care for children, adolescents, and adults
Expertise in guided growth procedures, corrective osteotomy, and knee replacement surgery
Personalised rehabilitation and physiotherapy programmes for optimal recovery
Knock knees are common during childhood and may improve naturally as the child grows. However, persistent or severe deformity can lead to knee pain, walking difficulties, uneven joint pressure, and early joint damage. Timely evaluation by an orthopaedic specialist helps identify the underlying cause and determine whether observation, physiotherapy, nutritional correction, weight management, or surgery is required.
With early diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan, leg alignment, mobility, and quality of life can be significantly improved. For persistent knock knees, increasing pain, or difficulty walking, consult an experienced orthopaedic surgeon at PACE Hospitals - Private Hospital in Hyderabad for appropriate assessment and treatment.
