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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Chirag Arora
Written by Swasthya Saarthi Editorial Team, last updated on 06 February 2025
Knock knee, medically known as genu valgum, is a common condition in young children and sportspersons where the knees angle inward and touch each other while the ankles remain apart. While mild cases are often part of normal growth and development, persistent or severe knock knees may require medical attention from a pediatric orthopedic doctor or a physiotherapist.
Physiological Development:
Knock knees are a natural part of a child's growth. Many children between the ages of 2 to 7 experience this condition as their legs undergo normal development.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
A lack of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin D and calcium, can weaken bones and contribute to the condition. A pediatric orthopedic doctor can provide advice on improving nutrition to promote bone health.
Genetic Factors:
Family history plays a role in some cases, with genetic predisposition contributing to bone alignment issues.
Underlying Medical Conditions:
Conditions such as rickets, osteogenesis imperfecta, and obesity can lead to or worsen knock knee. A consultation with a pediatric orthopedic doctor can help diagnose and treat these underlying issues, while a physiotherapist can provide targeted exercises to manage the condition.
Injury or Overuse in Sports:
Young athletes involved in high-impact sports may develop knock knee due to overuse injuries, poor training techniques, or improper footwear. In such cases, a physiotherapist can develop an exercise program to correct alignment and prevent further injury.
Most cases of knock knees resolve naturally as a child grows. However, it’s advisable to consult a pediatric orthopedic doctor if:
Both physiotherapists and pediatric orthopedic (knee) doctors play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating knock knee conditions:
A physiotherapist often recommends exercises like:
Understanding Normal Growth Patterns
In young children, knock knees are often a natural part of development, typically observed between the ages of 2 and 7. During this phase, the legs undergo normal alignment changes as part of growth. However, if the condition persists beyond this age or appears to worsen, consulting a pediatric orthopedic doctor is crucial to rule out underlying medical issues.
Signs That Require Attention
Parents should monitor for symptoms such as pain, difficulty walking, or noticeable differences in leg alignment. If these signs are present, seeking advice from a physiotherapist or orthopedic specialist can help diagnose the severity of the condition and determine whether intervention is necessary.
The Role of Medical Experts
A pediatric orthopedic doctor can assess whether the knock knees are part of normal development or caused by conditions such as rickets or bone malformation. For mild cases, a physiotherapist may recommend targeted exercises to correct alignment and improve muscle strength, ensuring proper growth and mobility.
When to Take Action
If the condition affects daily activities or sports participation, timely intervention is essential. Regular check-ups with a pediatric orthopedic doctor and therapy sessions with a physiotherapist can help manage symptoms effectively and promote healthy development.
Swasthya Saarthi offers specialized knock knee treatment for young children and sportspersons in Delhi/Gurgaon. Their multidisciplinary team, including expert pediatric orthopedic doctors like Dr. Chirag Arora and Dr. Saksham Mittal, and experienced physiotherapists, provides comprehensive care in our ortho care centres in Delhi and Gurgaon. Services include physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and advanced treatments like bracing or surgery for severe cases. Their holistic approach ensures proper alignment, recovery, and active lifestyle restoration. Visit Swasthya Saarthi Ortho centers and partner hospitals for knock knee diagnosis and treatments.
Knock knees in young children and sportspersons are often a normal part of development but should be monitored to prevent complications. Regular check-ups with a pediatric orthopedic doctor and timely interventions by a physiotherapist can ensure proper alignment, long-term knee health, and an active lifestyle. Parents and coaches should remain vigilant and seek expert care when necessary.
Knock knees can be caused by various factors, including normal physiological growth, nutritional deficiencies like low calcium or vitamin D, genetic predisposition, or underlying medical conditions such as rickets and obesity. In sportspersons, overuse injuries, improper training techniques, and incorrect footwear can lead to or worsen the condition.
It is advisable to consult a pediatric orthopedic doctor if knock knees persist beyond age 7, cause noticeable asymmetry in leg alignment, or lead to pain and difficulty walking. For sportspersons, early intervention can prevent injuries and improve performance. A physiotherapist can provide tailored exercises to address muscle imbalances and promote proper alignment.
A pediatric orthopedic doctor assesses the severity of knock knees and recommends appropriate treatments such as bracing, nutritional support, or, in severe cases, surgery. A physiotherapist plays a vital role by designing targeted exercise programs to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and correct gait patterns.
Treatment for knock knees includes observation, physical therapy, nutritional support, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention. Mild cases often resolve naturally, but regular monitoring by a pediatric orthopedic doctor is recommended. A physiotherapist can guide specific exercises to strengthen leg muscles and improve alignment. Prevention focuses on providing a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, encouraging outdoor activities with proper training, and scheduling routine check-ups.
