Treating knock knee ..The Road to Straighter Legs and Improved Mobility

A condition in which the knees bend inward, touching (or “knocking”) even when a person is standing with their ankles apart, knock knee can affect people of all ages. Knock knee, also known as genu valgum, is a mal-alignment of the knee with various causes, often leading to pain and degeneration of the knee if left untreated.

Knock knee is a condition in which a person’s knees angle toward each other and touch (“knock”), even when the person is standing with their ankles apart. While temporarily knocked knees is a standard developmental stage in most children, this often self-corrects by age seven or eight. Knock knees that persist beyond six years of age, are severe or affect one leg significantly more than the other may be a sign of knock knee syndrome.

Knock knee that falls outside the normal developmental patterns may be caused by disease, infection, or other conditions.

How is knock knees related to a child’s development?

Many children go through stages of bowlegs and knock knees in their early years. As their legs grow and become stronger, the vast majority of children outgrow both bowlegs and knock knees.

• Knock knees in infants: Knock knees are not typical in infants. However, many infants have bowlegs, a condition in which both legs curve outward, up until they are about 24 months old.
• Knock knees in toddlers: Knock knees usually become apparent when a child is 2 to 3 years old. The knees may tilt increasingly inward up until about age 4 or 5.
• Knock knees in young children: Children’s legs usually become aligned by the time they are about 7. Some children continue to have knock knees into adolescence.

The symptoms of knock knees are visible when a child stands with their legs straight and toes pointed forward. Symptoms include:

• symmetric inward angulation of the knees
• ankles remain apart while the knees are touching
• unusual walking pattern
• outward rotated feet

What causes knock knees?

Many children develop knock knees during early childhood. As they begin to walk, an inward tilt at the knees can help children balance. This stance also helps if one or both of their feet roll inward or turn outward.

Less often, knock knees is caused by a more serious disorder:

• Genetic conditions such as skeletal dysplasia or metabolic bone disease such as rickets can cause knock knees.
• Obesity can contribute to knock knees or cause gait abnormalities that resemble knock knees.
• An injury to the growth area of the shinbone (tibia) or thighbone (femur) may result in just one inward-tilting knee.

How To Make Diagnosis

• If your child is older than 7, or if their legs aren’t the same size and shape on both sides, an x-ray of their legs may help determine if an underlying condition is causing their knocked knees.
• Doctors do not usually order x-rays for children within the normal age range for knock knees if they have no problem walking, running, or playing, and have typical appearing legs. This avoids exposing the child to unnecessary radiation.

How Knock Knees Being Treated at “ARUNALAYA”

We at Arunalaya offer a comprehensive treatment protocol depending on the deformity and the cause. Dr. Chakshu Bansal Ph.D. (S), MPT, an author, 3 times world record holder, pain management practitioner herself diagnosed and designed the treatment plan. We as a team are committed to delivering rapid results with high quality and advanced techniques. which makes it easier to exceed our patients’ expectations.

MANUAL THERAPY

– Myofascial release to address any restrictions in the fascia.

Muscle Energy Technique -MET

Active Release Technique- ART

DRY NEEDLING

Dry Needling involves inserting a tiny filiform needle into a taut band of muscle tissue, also known as a trigger point.  This causes the muscle to momentarily cramp and eventually release.  This treatment option is extremely effective in releasing muscle tension and restoring normal flexibility and function rapidly.

K – TAPING

It helps to limit movement around specific joints without restricting the range of motion. It is used to facilitate and inhibit muscle.

WIRELESS

• Retarding or preventing disuse atrophy
• Maintaining or increasing range of motion
• Re-educating muscles
• Relaxation of muscle spasms
• Increasing local blood circulation

EXERCISE THERAPY

Exercise to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve posture and balance in order to maintain the overall mobility of the joint.