Knock knee deformity, medically known as genu valgum, is when the knees turn inward and touch when the legs are straightened. Mild knock knees are common and often resolve before adolescence. However, for many adults, knock knees cause significant discomfort, including knee pain, difficulty walking, an increased risk of joint issues, and an undesirable impact on height. Fortunately, limb lengthening surgery is a solution for many adults with knock knees.

This article explores the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for knock-knee deformity to help individuals better understand the condition.

How Knock Knees Affect Adults

1. Pain and Discomfort: Adults with knock knees may experience pain and discomfort around the knee joint due to abnormal alignment and increased stress on the inner knee structures.
2. Joint Instability: Knock knees can lead to joint instability, making it challenging to perform activities that require weight-bearing on the knees, such as walking, running, and climbing stairs.
3. Gait Abnormalities: Knock knees can cause changes in walking patterns, leading to an altered gait that may further contribute to joint pain and discomfort.
4. Increased Risk of Injury: Adults with knock knees are at a higher risk of knee injuries, such as ligament tears, meniscus tears, and cartilage damage due to abnormal biomechanics and increased stress on the knee joint.
5. Osteoarthritis: Untreated knock knees can accelerate wear and tear on the knee joint, leading to osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.

Knock knees can significantly impact the daily lives and functional abilities of affected adults, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

Causes of Knock Knee Deformity

In young children, knock knees are often a normal part of development that usually corrects itself with age. However, if it persists, other factors may be involved. These include genetic conditions, like rickets, which is caused by a lack of vitamin D and can weaken the bones. Also, injuries to the leg or knee are a common cause of knock knees. 

Sometimes, obesity puts extra stress on the knees, worsening the condition. In rare cases, certain diseases affecting bone growth or alignment, such as Blount’s disease, can cause knock knees. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the deformity.

Many individuals don't realize they have the condition until they’re adults. Below are the most common signs of knock knee deformity in adults.

• Visible inward angulation of the knees when standing with the feet together.
• Knees touching or nearly touching each other while standing or walking.
• Knee pain, especially around the inner knee joint.
• Difficulty walking or running due to instability or imbalance.
• Limited range of motion in the knees, particularly during physical activities.

In adults, knock knees typically do not directly affect height. However, severe or persistent knock knees can alter posture and weight distribution, leading to subtle changes in perceived height.

Individuals with knock knees may adopt compensatory postures to maintain balance, such as leaning forward or shifting weight to one side. Over time, these postural adjustments can contribute to a slight reduction in apparent height.

Complications of untreated knock knee deformity include:

• Knock knee deformity can predispose individuals to knee injuries such as ligament tears, meniscus tears, and cartilage damage due to abnormal biomechanics and increased stress on the knee joint.
• Untreated knock knee deformity can accelerate wear and tear on the knee joint, leading to the development of osteoarthritis later in life.
• Severe knock knee deformity can affect mobility, stability, and overall quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily activities and participate in physical exercise or sports.

Treatment Options for Knock Knee Deformity

While knock knees themselves do not directly impact adult height, addressing any underlying musculoskeletal issues and maintaining proper posture through orthotic devices, physical therapy, and, in some cases, limb lengthening surgery can help individuals optimize their overall musculoskeletal health and increase their height.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be very effective in treating knock knees. It focuses on strengthening and stretching the muscles around the knee to improve alignment. Exercises often target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip abductors, which help support proper leg positioning. Additionally, physical therapists may use balance and coordination exercises to enhance overall stability. Custom orthotics or braces might also be recommended to provide better leg alignment during everyday activities.

By improving muscle strength and joint function, physical therapy can reduce discomfort, enhance mobility, and prevent the condition from worsening, promoting healthier knee alignment over time.

Orthotic Devices

Custom orthotics can be highly beneficial for individuals with knock knees, or genu valgum. These specially designed shoe inserts provide support and alignment for the feet and lower legs. By correcting abnormal foot positioning, orthotics help distribute weight more evenly across the knee joint, reducing stress and strain. This improved alignment can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with knock knees.

Additionally, orthotics can enhance overall stability and balance, making daily activities easier and more comfortable. For children, using custom orthotics may also help guide proper bone growth and development, potentially preventing further progression of the condition.

Weight Management

Weight management is crucial in addressing knock knees. Excess weight places additional stress on the knee joints, exacerbating misalignment and discomfort. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the pressure on the knees, which can alleviate pain and slow the progression of the condition. Engaging in a balanced diet and regular exercise not only aids in weight management but also improves overall joint health. 

Activities such as swimming or cycling, which are low-impact, can help strengthen muscles around the knee without adding strain. Effective weight management contributes to better knee alignment and overall mobility.

Limb Lengthening Surgery

Limb lengthening surgery can be a solution for severe cases of knock knees, especially when other treatments are ineffective. This surgical procedure involves cutting and gradually lengthening the bone using a specialized device, allowing for controlled and precise adjustments. As the bone heals, it encourages proper alignment and corrects the knee deformity.

This process can help achieve balanced leg length and improved knee alignment, reducing pain and enhancing mobility. Limb lengthening surgery is typically considered when knock knees significantly impact daily activities or cause substantial discomfort, providing a long-term solution for better knee function and alignment.

Conclusion

Knock knee deformity is a common condition characterized by inward angulation of the knees that can vary in severity from mild to severe. While mild cases may resolve on their own during childhood development, more severe deformities can benefit from limb lengthening surgery to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including physical therapy, orthotic devices, weight management, and surgical correction when necessary, can help individuals with knock knee deformity maintain optimal knee health and function.

Contact the Limb Lengthening clinic today for a consultation!