Do Knock Knees Need to Be Treated?

If your child has constant small bruises on the insides of their knees from knocking them together, seems a little clumsy and prone to falls, or walks awkwardly due to legs that angle outwards from knee to ankle, they could have knock knees (genu valgum).

At Keck Medicine of USC, Orthopaedic Surgery in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, orthopaedic and sports medicine specialist George Hatch, MD, treats common childhood knee deformities like knock knees or bow legs as a matter of routine.

What are knock knees?

Knock knees affect the position of the legs. If your child has knock knees, the lower legs angle away from the knee to the ankle, creating a wide space between the ankles while the knees knock together. You’re most likely to notice this change in your child’s legs when they are between 3 and 5 years of age.

In most cases, this is a normal stage of leg bone development. Most babies are born with their legs bowed outwards a little due to positioning in the womb. However, after they have been walking for a few years the legs begin to bow inwards, causing knock knees for several years before the legs straighten out again.

Although you may see small bruises from time to time as knees bang together lightly when your child walks, runs, or jumps, knock knees usually don't cause pain. Most kids can participate naturally in activities and sports without issues.

Diagnosing knock knees

The best person to diagnose knock knees is an orthopaedic specialist who commonly sees children with minor knee deformities.

First, Dr. Hatch looks at the position of your child's legs while they stand naturally. Then he completes a full exam, checking the alignment and bone structure of your child's legs, hips, and feet to make sure that their knock knees aren’t caused by a more serious issue.

Treating knock knees

In most cases of knock knees, your child will outgrow them on their own with no need for medical intervention. Dr. Hatch takes a conservative approach, and won’t recommend surgery unless there is a clear need for it.

Instead, he’ll schedule regular follow-ups to check your child’s legs and knees out at intervals as they grow. In all likelihood, the issue will have resolved itself by the time your child enters middle school.

Do you suspect that your child has knock knees, bow legs, or another type of knee, ankle, hip, or spinal deformity? Contact our office by calling 323-442-5860, or book an appointment online today with Dr. George Hatch of Keck Medicine of USC, Orthopaedic Surgery.