Understanding Inverted Knees: Causes & Care Tips

Inverted knees, also known as knock knees or genu valgum, is a knee alignment condition where the knees bend inward and touch or “knock” against each other. It can cause pain, joint damage, and even early onset knee arthritis. This issue can affect people of all ages and may require correction to improve knee mechanics, reduce pain, and prevent further damage.

There are several causes of inverted knees, including genetic factors, developmental issues, diseases, infections, or traumatic knee injuries. Common symptoms include knee and hip pain, foot or ankle pain, and a limp while walking. Diagnosis is done through a physical examination and imaging tests.

Treatment options for inverted knees range from bracing for children to surgical correction for adults, depending on the severity and underlying causes of the condition. In addition to medical interventions, physical therapy and specific exercises can also play a crucial role in managing this condition and improving leg alignment.

Key Takeaways:

• Inverted knees, also known as knock knees or genu valgum, is a condition where the knees bend inward and touch or “knock” against each other.
• It can cause pain, joint damage, and early onset knee arthritis.
• The condition can be caused by genetic factors, developmental issues, diseases, infections, or traumatic knee injuries.
• Treatment options range from bracing for children to surgical correction for adults, depending on the severity and underlying causes of the condition.
• Physical therapy, exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight can also help manage symptoms and improve leg alignment.

What are Inverted Knees?

Inverted knees, also known as knock knees or genu valgum, are a common leg alignment issue characterized by the knees bending inward and touching or “knocking” against each other. This condition can result in excessive force on the outer side of the knee, leading to pain and potential damage to the joint over time. Inverted knees can affect both children and adults, although it is more frequently observed in children during their growth and development.

While some degree of knock knees is considered normal in infants and young children, persistent or severe cases may require medical attention. Inverted knees can present as either bilateral, affecting both legs, or unilateral, affecting only one leg. Correcting knee alignment is crucial to improving biomechanics, alleviating pain, and preventing further complications.

In the image below, you can see an illustration depicting the alignment of inverted knees:

Characteristics of Inverted Knees	Prevalence
Internal knee angulation	Common in children during growth and development
Knees touching or “knocking” against each other	Affects both children and adults
Possible pain and joint damage	Persistent or severe cases may require medical attention

It is important to note that the alignment of the legs can significantly impact overall posture and joint health. Seeking appropriate treatment and management strategies for inverted knees can help improve knee alignment, prevent future complications, and enhance overall quality of life.

Causes of Inverted Knees

Inverted knees, also known as knock knees or genu valgum, can be caused by various factors. These include:

1. Underlying Congenital or Developmental Diseases: Certain genetic or developmental conditions can affect leg alignment and contribute to inverted knees.
2. Infections: Bone infections can lead to knee deformities and misalignment.
3. Metabolic Diseases: Conditions such as renal failure and metabolic disorders can affect bone development and contribute to the development of inverted knees.
4. Physical Trauma: Injuries to the knee, such as fractures or growth plate injuries, can result in deformities and leg misalignment.
5. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or other forms of arthritis, particularly affecting the knee joint, can cause changes in leg alignment.
6. Rickets: Rickets, caused by vitamin D deficiency, can lead to weakened bones and abnormal leg alignment.
7. Congenital Conditions: Certain birth defects or conditions present at birth can affect leg alignment and contribute to inverted knees.
8. Benign Bone Tumors: In rare cases, benign bone tumors can cause leg misalignment and lead to inverted knees.
9. Fractures That Heal with Deformity: Improperly healed fractures can result in leg deformities and contribute to the development of inverted knees.
10. Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts additional pressure on the knees, increasing the risk of leg misalignment and inverted knees.

It’s important to note that these are common causes, but each case of inverted knees may have its own unique contributing factors. Proper diagnosis and evaluation by a healthcare professional are necessary to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment approach.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Inverted Knees

The most prominent symptom of inverted knees is the inward bending of the knees, causing a separation of the ankles when the feet are together. This knee deformity, also known as genu valgum, can result in various discomforts and limitations. Individuals with inverted knees may experience knee pain, hip pain, foot pain, stiffness or soreness in the joints, limping while walking, reduced range of motion in the hips, difficulty walking or running, knee instability, and even the development of progressive knee arthritis in adulthood.

Proper diagnosis of inverted knees involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by a healthcare professional. This typically includes a detailed physical examination, evaluation of the patient’s medical and family history, and imaging tests such as X-rays or EOS images. These imaging techniques provide a clear view of the leg alignment, helping clinicians accurately determine the severity of the knee deformity and identify any associated conditions or abnormalities.

Symptoms of Inverted Knees	Diagnosis of Inverted Knees
– Inward bending of the knees	– Physical examination by a healthcare professional
– Separation of the ankles when feet are together	– Evaluation of medical and family history
– Knee pain	– Imaging tests such as X-rays or EOS images
– Hip pain
– Foot pain
– Joint stiffness or soreness
– Limping while walking
– Reduced hip range of motion
– Difficulty walking or running
– Knee instability
– Progressive knee arthritis in adults

By evaluating these symptoms and conducting a thorough diagnosis, healthcare professionals can determine the most appropriate treatment plan for individuals with inverted knees, whether it be conservative management, orthotic interventions, or surgical correction.

Treatment of Inverted Knees

The treatment of inverted knees depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying causes. For mild cases in children or adolescents, the use of braces may help reposition the knees and promote proper bone growth. In cases where bracing is ineffective or in adults with persistent or severe inverted knees, knee-realignment osteotomy surgery may be recommended. This surgical procedure involves correcting the leg curvature and realigning the knee joint to improve mechanics and relieve pain. It is important to address any underlying diseases or infections before proceeding with orthopedic correction.

Managing Inverted Knees

In addition to medical interventions, there are also non-surgical ways to manage inverted knees and improve leg alignment. Physical therapy can play a crucial role in strengthening the muscles around the knees and improving overall leg alignment.

Regular exercise, including stretches and specific leg exercises, may help to alleviate pain and improve mobility. It is important to target the muscles that support the knees, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. These exercises can help to correct muscle imbalances and improve the alignment of the legs.

Here are some leg exercises that can be beneficial for managing inverted knees:

1. Squats: This exercise helps strengthen the muscles of the thighs, hips, and glutes. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing slightly outward. Slowly lower your body by bending your knees, keeping your back straight. Return to the starting position and repeat.
2. Wall sits: This exercise targets the quadriceps muscles and can improve knee stability. Stand with your back against a wall and slowly slide down until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then slowly stand back up.
3. Lunges: Lunges help strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Step forward with one foot and lower your body until your front knee is bent at a 90-degree angle. Push through your front foot to return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.

In addition to exercise, physical therapy can provide targeted interventions and guidance on managing inverted knees. A physical therapist can create a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises, stretches, and techniques to improve leg alignment and reduce pain.

It is also important to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the strain on the knees. Excess weight can put additional pressure on the joints, exacerbating the misalignment and contributing to knee pain. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist for personalized care tips and guidance on managing inverted knees. They can assess your specific condition and provide appropriate recommendations based on your individual needs.

Knee Care Tips
1. Stay active and engage in regular exercise to strengthen the muscles around the knees.
2. Perform leg exercises that target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
3. Incorporate stretches into your routine to improve flexibility and range of motion in the legs.
4. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees.
5. Avoid activities that put excessive strain on the knees, such as high-impact sports or activities that involve jumping or twisting.
6. Use proper footwear with adequate support and cushioning to reduce impact on the knees.
7. Follow the guidance of your healthcare professional or physical therapist for personalized care tips and treatment recommendations.

Conclusion

Inverted knees, also known as knock knees, is a common leg alignment issue that can occur in individuals of all ages. The condition can be caused by various factors, including genetic conditions, developmental issues, diseases, infections, or traumatic knee injuries. It is important to understand the causes and available treatment options to effectively manage this condition and improve knee alignment.

Treatment for inverted knees depends on the severity and underlying causes. In children, bracing may be recommended to promote proper bone growth and alignment. For adults with persistent or severe inverted knees, surgical correction may be necessary to realign the knees and improve mechanics. It is crucial to seek medical advice to determine the most suitable treatment plan for you or your child.

In addition to medical interventions, managing inverted knees involves incorporating physical therapy and exercises into your routine. Strengthening the muscles around the knees through targeted exercises can help alleviate pain and improve leg alignment. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the knees.

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of inverted knees, such as knee pain, hip pain, or difficulty walking, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options, ensuring proper management of inverted knees for better knee alignment and overall well-being.

FAQ

What is inverted knees?

Inverted knees, also known as knock knees or genu valgum, is a condition where the knees bend inward and touch or “knock” against each other.

What causes inverted knees?

Inverted knees can be caused by various factors, including underlying congenital or developmental diseases, infections, or traumatic knee injuries.

What are the symptoms of inverted knees?

Common symptoms of inverted knees include knee and hip pain, foot or ankle pain, and a limp while walking.

How is inverted knees diagnosed?

Inverted knees can be diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays or EOS images.

What are the treatment options for inverted knees?

Treatment options for inverted knees range from bracing for children to surgical correction for adults, depending on the severity and underlying causes of the condition.

How can inverted knees be managed?

Non-surgical ways to manage inverted knees include physical therapy, exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight.

What should I do if I suspect I have inverted knees?

If you suspect you have inverted knees, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Source Links

• https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_knock-knee.asp
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knock-knees/
• https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/knock-knees