What is Genu Valgum
Genu valgum also called knock knee, is a condition in which the knees angle in and touch each other when the legs are straight. People may be born with knock knee or develop it later in life.
What are the causes?
Genu valgum that is present at birth is caused by positioning during pregnancy. Most cases of genu valgum are part of normal childhood development, and the legs eventually straighten out on their own. Genu valgum that develops later in life can be caused by:
- Rickets.
- Obesity.
- Bone problems.
- Bone infections.
- Tumors.
- Injury.
What increases the risk?
You may be at greater risk for genu valgum if:
- You are obese.
- You have a family history of bone problems.
- You have a shinbone fracture.
- You have arthritis in your knee.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Genu valgum can make walking difficult or clumsy. In severe cases, symptoms may include:
- Poor posture.
- Knee pain.
- Knee swelling.
- Hip, foot, or back pain.
How is this diagnosed?
To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will do a physical exam and look at your signs and symptoms. You may have tests such as X-rays of your knees.
How is this treated?
The treatment of genu valgum depends on the cause. Treatment may include:
- Weight loss.
- Physical therapy.
- Surgery to remove a wedge of bone from the knee or knees (osteotomy).
Follow these instructions at home:
- Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.
- Follow your health care provider’s diet and exercise instructions, if they were given.
Contact a health care provider if:
- It is getting harder for you to walk.
- You develop knee, foot, back, or hip pain.
- You develop pain and swelling in your knee or knees.
