Knock-Knees or Bow-Legs
Also known as genu valgum knock knees can be a problem for anyone who has to deal with it on a daily basis. When you have knocked knees it can make you walk with a gait that causes you to walk as if you have no balance in your step.
This lower leg deformity is common among young children but some adults will have it too. Knock knees in adults can cause various problems like knee arthritis and knee pain.
The 2 most common forms of knock knees are physiologic and pathologic. The physiologic form of knock knees have to deal with the actual growth and development process. Meanwhile the pathologic form of knock knee has to deal with conditions such as rickets and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. Learn more about knock knee causes by visiting this link.
How Do You Know If You're Knocked Kneed?
The best way to know if you're knocked kneed or not is to check the way you're standing. If you are standing with your knees touching or if they are closer together compared to your ankles then you you have knock knees.
The most common way doctors diagnose knock knees is by performing an X-ray on the affected area in your leg. By examining your leg through X-rays the doctor will know for sure or not if you are knocked knee and what could be causing it.
Knock Knee Treatment
Once you know you're knocked kneed you should begin treating the deformity as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your joints. Damage can occur in your joints when your knees continue to rub together and rub out the cartilage.
One of the best knock knee treatments involves wearing a corrective brace around your knees during the day and taking it off at night before you go to sleep.
This knock knee brace is pretty inexpensive but some do cost a lot of money. You can talk to your doctor about different options to see what knock knees brace is good for you.
Another treatment for knock knees are orthopedic shoes that help by elevating your heel so that your walk improves. Once you start walking better you'll notice your knees won't knock together as much.
By figuring out what is causing your knock knees and treating it you can finally straighten your legs out and live a normal life. There are other knock knee treatments out there besides the braces and the orthopedic shoes so make sure you are always on the look out for new ways to help with your knock knee correction.
