From Introduction to Treatment of Knocked Knees
Knocked Knees
Knocked knees (Genu Valgum) are a deformity or malformation of the knee joint. In a normal individual, while standing, when there is no gap between the knees, the malleolus of the ankle joints also has no gap. If a gap occurs between the ankles or the malleolus of the ankle joints when the knees are brought together, it is referred to as knocked knees. An important point in knocked knees is that the deviation of the shinbone from its natural position increases outward.
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:Causes
- Obesity or excessive weight
- Bone softness disease (Rickets)
- Flat feet
- Hereditary factors
- Fractures in joint surfaces or fractures in the upper and lower joints
- Swaddling of the children
- Early walking of children
- Frog-legged sitting
- Tear of the inner lateral ligament of the knee and shortening of the outer lateral ligament
- Reduction of the angle between the neck of the thigh bone and its shaft
- Excessive growth of the inner condyle relative to the outer condyle
- Shortening of the biceps femoris muscle
- Weakness of the inner hamstring muscles
Consequences of Knocked Knees
- Unpleasant appearance
- Stunted growth
- Altered walking pattern
- Early knee osteoarthritis
- Increased vulnerability of the knee joint
- Pain: In the inner part of the knee due to stretching of soft tissue and in the outer part of the knee due to the close proximity of the large bone to the thigh bone and compression of these two bones against each other.
- Creation of abnormalities in the foot and ankle (flat feet and outward rotation of the ankle bone)
:Treatment
- Prescription of orthopedic shoes for children (in mild cases)
Children with knocked knees can use orthopedic shoes with an insole in the heel area or arch of the foot, both inside the shoe and on the outer sole. Special shoes include a wedge to correct the position of the feet by aligning them. In some cases, an orthopedic insole with an arch pad can be placed inside these shoes, which will also help correct the alignment of the feet.
Characteristics of an Orthopedic Insole Read More…
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- Prescription of orthopedic shoes and braces for children (in more severe cases)
Many orthopedic specialists recommend the use of orthopedic braces, where the braces attach to the shoes. The function of these braces is to guide the knees inward and maintain the correct position. Sometimes, custom-made braces are necessary for an individual.
- Performing corrective exercises
- Surgery is usually performed in children with severe knock knees when the above methods do not work, especially in severe cases in adults after the growth plates have beenclosed (e.g., osteotomy).
- Weight reduction to prevent excessive bending of the shin
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