Content is medically reviewed by:
Shruti Bangera, Masters In Neurological Physiotherapy, Senior Physiotherapist & SME, Portea
Commonly known as ‘Knock-knees’, this is the condition or misalignment that causes the knees to bend inwards. Genu valgum is common in children between the age group of 3-5 years mainly as a passing trait i.e. it corrects itself when they grow up and reach the age of around 7-8 years.
Sometimes Genu varum and Genu valgum are used interchangeably. However, it is important to understand the difference between these two entirely opposite conditions. While Genu valgum is the inwards bending of the knees, Genu varum is the condition when the knees bow outwards widely. It is also referred to as bow-leggedness or bandy-leg.
The symptoms for every person differ depending on the severity with which Genu valgum has affected and her/his age. The symptoms may be completely different for children and adults. Some of the most common signs through which you can identify this condition include:
There are several factors, besides developmental issues, that cause this condition. These underlying reasons depend on the age of the patient and general health. Some of the most common childhood Genu valgum causes include:
There are certain causes that trigger Genu valgum deformity in adults. The causes of this late onset include:
The diagnosis process of Genu valgum is generally not done in children since the condition is common and mostly corrects itself. In older children and adults, the doctor will try to diagnose the underlying causes of the condition to determine the treatment plan.
There are several ways in which the diagnosis is done. These include:
When diagnosed in adulthood and left untreated, Genu valgum may actively progress and overload the knees. This overloading and excessive force leads to constant feelings of pain, instability in the knees, problems with walking, deformities in the bone, arthritis, and degeneration of the knee joints.
The treatment plan for every patient is different and depends on what is causing Genu valgum and the severity of your symptoms. Some of the common lines of treatment include:
Physiotherapy plays a critical role in helping the knees realign and stabilize. After an evaluation of your condition, your therapist can suggest exercises designed to relieve you of painful symptoms. Some of the most important benefits include:
There are several exercises and therapies that are known to help in this condition. These include:
Portea, one of the most credible home healthcare companies in India, has been helping people heal faster by letting them access care in the comfort of their homes. Especially when it comes to providing physiotherapy services, scores of people trust Portea. Some benefits that we bring to you include:
Doctor Consultation
Nursing
Physiotherapy
Trained Attendant
Elder Care
Mother & Baby Care
Lab Tests
Medical Equipment
Speciality Pharma
Critical Care