Knock knees is a medical condition in which a child's legs are rotated outward. When standing, the child's knees touch, but ankles do not. While the condition tends to correct itself as the child develops, left untreated, knock knees can cause emotional distress and medical complications later in life.
Risk Factors
Overweight children and those with a family history of knock knees are at greatest risk of developing the condition, according to the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." In overweight children, developing bones and joints are unable to handle the additional weight, the Children's Hospital Boston notes. The child's legs turn inward, resulting in the condition. In general, knock knees are more common in girls compared with boys.
Causes
Knock knees is a normal part of growth and development in children. Most often, the condition appears when a child is 2 to 3 years old and tends to disappear on its own by age 6. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, by puberty, knock knees disappears.
Conditions known to cause knock knees include osteomyelitis, bone infection and rickets--a disease that results in soft or weak bones. A shinbone injury, which can interfere with the growth of bones, may also lead to the condition in children, the Children's Hospital Boston says.
Diagnosis
The distinctive appearance of knock knees allows a doctor to quickly diagnose the condition. A doctor will review a child's complete medical history, conduct a physical examination and observe the position of the child's ankles, knees and legs. Medical professionals will measure the distance between the inner ankle bones and take x-rays to assess the extent of the bone deformity.
Treatment
In most instances, knock knees requires little treatment. As part of the growth process, the condition normally disappears by puberty. However, in severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a night brace to straighten the knee, orthopedic shoes to relieve foot fatigue or surgery to cut and straighten the bone, according to the Children's Hospital Boston.
Complications
Knock knees can make it difficult for a child to participate in physical activities such as running. While rare, some children may experience difficulty walking. If left untreated, the condition can lead to arthritis in the knee. Dealing with the distinct appearance that comes with the condition may also impact a child's self esteem.
References
- "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book"; Mayo Clinic; 2009
- Children's Hospital Boston: Knock Knees
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Knock Knees
- MedlinePlus: Knock Knees
