It’s a one of the most common concern of parents and results in their anxiety. Normally, each child’s legs appear bowed inside till he is two years old known as Physiological Genu Varum.
On the contrary child’s knees appear knocked till he is six years of age. But during this growth period due to calcium and vitamin deficiency it results in Rickets (Pathological bowing of legs). If the child’s legs remain bowed after two years of age, the parents must start treatment for bowlegs or Genu Varum. The parents also need to start treatment for knock-knees or Genu Valgum if the child’s legs remained knocked after four years of age.
Symptoms are obvious and one can easily detect unequal angle of legs around knee. Sometimes children may cause pain in leg and difficulty in walking and abnormal gait pattern.
Clinical examinations along with x-rays and scanograme helps in diagnosing the exact cause of deformity. One should always look for sign of active rickets and its possible implications. Other cause of deformity should also be kept in mild while treating the patient.
In early age of life both knock knee and bow leg get corrected by self as the child grows. Hence, orthopaedic surgeon often tries to treat the bone diseases non-surgically. If deformity persist and severe then we need to correct them surgically.
Both bow legs and knock knees are normal in early age of life. But the parents must start treatment for bowlegs or knock knees if the symptoms are severe and persist. Most common cause of bowing and knock knee is low calcium load in the body known as Rickets. There is many other bone diseases are linked with these types of deformities.
In early age one should wait and watch to correct the deformity spontaneously and focus should be on to correct the basic pathology like low calcium level. We need to examine the child’s knees and legs at regular intervals to assess the severity of symptoms and its progress.
Knock knee, also known as genu valgum, is a condition in which the knees touch each other when standing with the feet and ankles together. It is most common in young children and is usually not a cause for concern. However, if the condition persists into adulthood, it can lead to alignment and mobility issues. In this article, we will discuss the causes, treatments, and exercises for knock knee in newborns and kids.
Knock knee is usually a normal part of growing up for many children. However, there are some underlying medical conditions that can cause knock knee. These include genetic conditions like Blount’s disease and rickets, as well as muscle imbalances, obesity, and trauma to the knee.
Knock knee is a condition in which the knees bend inward when standing, causing the lower part of the legs to form an “X” shape. It most commonly affects children between the ages of two and five, but can also occur in newborns.
1. Genes: Knock knee can be inherited, meaning it is passed down from parents to children. Certain genetic conditions, such as Marfan Syndrome, can cause knock knee.
2. Growth Spurt: A child’s legs can bow during a growth spurt. This is often temporary and will resolve itself as the child grows.
3. Muscular Imbalance: Muscles that are too weak or too tight can cause knock knee.
4. Injury: A traumatic injury to the knee can cause knock knee.
5. Developmental Delays: Delays in development can cause knock knee. This is especially true for prenatal babies or children with cerebral palsy.
6. Obesity: Being overweight can put additional strain on the knees, causing them to bow.
Treatments for Knock Knee:
The first step in treating knock knee is to identify the underlying cause. If the condition is caused by a medical condition, such as Blount’s disease, then treatment will involve correcting the underlying condition. If the knock knee is caused by muscle imbalances, then physical therapy can help to strengthen the weak muscles and improve the alignment of the legs. In some cases, a brace or orthotic device may be used to help keep the knees in the correct position. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of the legs.
1. Exercises: Exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the knees, correcting knock knee.
2. Braces: Braces can be used to support the knees and help keep them in the correct position.
3. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct knock knee.
4. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the knees and correct knock knee.
5. Orthotic Devices: Orthotic devices, such as shoe inserts, can help keep the knees in the correct position.
6. Weight Management: If a child is overweight, managing their weight can help reduce the strain on the knees, correcting knock knee.
Exercises are an important part of treating knock knee in children. Strengthening the muscles around the knee will help to improve the alignment of the legs and reduce the severity of the knock knees. Examples of exercises that can be used to treat knock knee include leg raises, squats, and lunges. It is important to seek professional advice before starting an exercise program, as certain exercises may be contraindicated in certain situations.
Knock knee is a common condition in children, and is usually not a cause for concern. However, if the condition persists into adulthood, it can lead to alignment and mobility issues. In this article, we discussed the causes, treatments, and exercises for knock knee in newborns and kids. With the right treatments and exercises, knock knee can be managed effectively and the alignment of the legs can be improved.
Crawling helps strengthen the muscles around the knee and can help improve alignment. Encourage infants and young children to crawl on their hands and knees, as this helps strengthen the muscles around the knee and can help improve alignment.
This exercise helps strengthen the muscles of the inner thigh, which can help keep knees in the proper alignment. To do leg lifts, lie on your back and keep one leg straight on the ground. Bend the other leg and place your foot flat on the floor. Raise the bent knee up over your hip and hold for five seconds. Then, slowly lower your leg and switch legs. Do three sets of 10 repetitions.
This exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the knee and can help improve alignment. To do kneeling, have the child kneel on the floor with their feet tucked under their buttocks. Make sure they keep their back straight and their knees in line with their toes. Hold the position for five seconds, then stand back up. Do three sets of 10 repetitions.
This exercise helps strengthen the muscles of the hip, which can help keep the knees properly aligned. To do standing on one foot, have the child stand on one foot with their hands on their hips. Hold the balance for five seconds, then switch feet. Do three sets of 10 repetitions.
This exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the knee and helps improve alignment. To do toe taps, have the child stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and their toes pointed forward. Lift one foot off the ground and tap the toes of the other foot. Switch feet and repeat. Do three sets of 10 repetitions.