Treatment of knock knees depends on several factors, including the individual’s age, the severity of the angulation, any underlying health conditions, and whether the deformity is causing pain or functional issues.
Mild cases often don’t need any treatment. These usually go away as children grow. But if the problem is moderate or severe and lasts into teenage years or adulthood, medical help may be needed. This help can include therapy or even surgery. It’s important to understand the full range of treatment of knock knees options so that people can improve posture, movement, and joint health.
When Knock Knees Are Part of Normal Growth
In young children, knock knees are often a normal part of growing up. Between ages two and five, it’s common for their legs to move from a bowed shape to a knock-kneed one. By age seven or eight, the legs usually straighten on their own. In these cases, no treatment is needed. Doctors will still check the child’s leg shape during routine visits to make sure everything is developing normally.
Sometimes, though, the condition becomes more noticeable or doesn’t go away. If knock knees get worse over time or last beyond early childhood, doctors may suggest early treatments that don’t involve surgery.
Physical Therapy and Orthotics for Treatment of Knock Knees
Physical therapy is often the first step. It helps fix muscle weakness and improves how the joints work. A trained therapist might create a set of exercises to make the thigh, hip, and butt muscles stronger. These exercises also stretch tight areas and help line up the legs better. As a result, pain and extra stress on the joints can be reduced.
Orthotic devices are another key part of treatment of knock knees. Special insoles or knee braces can help spread weight more evenly across the knees. These tools work best in growing kids or in adults with mild to moderate cases. In some advanced cases, braces worn at night or tools to lengthen the leg might be used. However, once bones are done growing, these devices don’t work as well.
Supporting Treatment with Lifestyle Changes
Changes in lifestyle can help too. For people who are overweight, losing weight can reduce pressure on the knees. This helps with walking and standing. Eating foods rich in vitamin D, calcium, and protein can also support healthy bones. In children or in people with weak bones, a good diet becomes even more important. Fixing any vitamin or mineral shortages, especially those that lead to bone diseases like rickets, is key.
Adults who feel pain or can’t move well may need medicine. Drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen can ease swelling and pain. In stronger cases, doctors might give an injection to calm severe pain. These are short-term fixes and usually not used as a long-term plan.
Surgical Options in Treatment of Knock Knees
If non-surgical steps don’t work, or the knees are badly out of line, surgery might be needed. The most common surgery is called an osteotomy. In this procedure, a doctor cuts and moves parts of the thigh or shin bone to get the legs straight. They may remove or add a piece of bone and hold it in place with metal plates or screws. Recovery often takes months and includes therapy to rebuild strength and movement.
Kids who are still growing may benefit from a different type of surgery. A small metal plate is placed on one side of the growth plate to slow growth there. The other side keeps growing normally, which slowly straightens the legs. Once the legs are aligned, the plate is taken out. This method avoids cutting the bone and is less invasive.
After surgery, patients need check-ups, therapy, and changes to daily habits. They should focus on low-impact sports like swimming or cycling. High-impact sports might be off-limits for a while to avoid harming the healing bones.
Modern Technology and Support in Treatment of Knock Knees
It’s important to remember that treatment of knock knees isn’t just about how legs look. If left untreated, the condition can cause long-term problems. These may include early arthritis, knee damage, back pain, and weak joints. Catching the issue early—whether through exercise or surgery—can prevent serious joint problems later.
In some areas, people also try other methods along with regular treatment. Yoga, Pilates, or water exercises can help with strength, balance, and flexibility. These don’t fix bone shape, but they can ease pain and improve movement when done often.
Some doctors now use robots and 3D images for surgery. These tools help plan and perform bone corrections with great accuracy. Surgeons can customise the treatment for each person, which often leads to better and faster results.
Educating Families and Ensuring Long-Term Success
Education is also key to success. Patients and their families should learn about the condition, how it may change over time, and why it’s important to stick to therapy or wear braces. Support groups for parents can offer comfort and practical tips, especially when dealing with knock knees from birth.
In summary, treatment of knock knees can be as simple as watching and waiting or as complex as surgery. A team approach—working with children’s doctors, bone specialists, therapists, and nutrition experts—can give the best results. With early care and the right plan, most people with knock knees can move better, feel less pain, and enjoy a better life.
