Knock-knees is a lay term that refers to how the knee line up with the hip and ankle. In a normal standing position, if someone’s knees are touching, then their ankles will also touch. In a person with genu valgum, when the knees touch, a good distance separates the ankles and their knees “knock” into one another. It is the opposite as someone who is bow legged. Most of those with knock knees are also overpronators.
The typical gait pattern is circumduction, requiring that the individual swing each leg outward while walking in order to take a step without striking the planted limb with the moving limb. The mechanics of gait compromised with significant angular deformity, anterior (front) and medial (inside). Knee pain is common, as is lateral (outside) pain. These symptoms reflect the pathologic strain on the knee.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Genu-valgum
Symptoms:
- Flat feet with toe out gait
- Calluses under big toe
- Bunions and hammer toe
- Shoulder falls forward/slouching
- More energy required to run or stand for long periods of time
Signs to look for:
- Knees point toward each other vs. straight ahead
- Flat feet with toe out gait
- Overpronating feet
- History of subluxation of the patella (knee cap)
- Bunions
Possible Causes:
- Heredity
- Injury
- Obesity added to the above
- Paget’s disease, rickets and other neurological conditions
- Osteomalacia
Goals:
- Create foot balance
- Align hips, knees, ankles and feet
- Support arches
- Restore posture
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotic exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotic exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear such as heel to toe rockers or shoes with titanium springs
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Go barefoot minimally
- Wear pumps or heels on a minimal basis only
Other:
- Shoe modification, including heel wedging, flares or external stabilizers if shoes and arch support do not provide enough correction
- Toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe gel caps, toe crests, etc.
Activities:
- Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: genou.com Text: Dynomed.com, Emedicine.com, D. Janisse, CPed, Editor, Introduction to Pedorthics, B. Meanwell, CPed, R. Cailliet, MD, Foot and Ankle Pain