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Knock Knees: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 2 min read

Knock Knees, also known as Genu Valgum, is an orthopedic condition that causes the knees to bend inwards and touch each other. The condition is common during a child’s developmental stage, till the age of 2 or 3 years and gets self-corrected with age. However, in rare cases when knees begin to knock after the age of 6 years, it can be an indicator of an underlying bone disorder.

Causes

  • Osteomyelitis, a bone infection
  • Rickets
  • Scurvy
  • Infection or injury to the shinbone
  • Obesity
  • Overpronation
  • Irregular bone growth
  • Genetic skeletal abnormalities

Symptoms

  • More than 10 cm of gap between both ankles
  • Changes in gait patterns
  • Excessive inward angle of knees
  • Pain at the anterior part of the knee, in severe cases

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Knock Knees involves a thorough physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history. The orthopedic doctor may observe the positons of the patient’s lower legs, ankles and knees. He may measure the distance between the inner parts of the ankle joints to assess the severity of the condition. The doctor may also evaluate certain other factors including:

  • Height, weight and body mass index (BMI)
  • Walking pattern
  • Skeletal alignment of the lower leg
  • Range of motion of the lower leg

Treatment

If the condition does not subside after the age of 7 or 8 years, the orthopedic doctor may recommend the following treatment:

Braces

Wearing a brace during nighttime may help to straighten and restore the normal alignment of the knees. Depending upon the severity of the condition, the doctor may recommend a customized knee brace for effective results.

Exercise

Performing certain exercises, as prescribed by the physical therapist, may help to strengthen the knee muscles so that they are better able to bear the weight of the body.

Surgery

In severe cases, the patient may be recommended to undergo any of the following surgical treatment.

  • Osteotomy: This involves manipulating the knee bones to bring the joint back to their normal position. The procedure also helps in even distribution of weight through the knee.
  • Guided Growth Surgery: This surgery slows down the growth of knee bone. Guided growth surgery is usually recommended for children who are in their developmental stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.