What is another name for knock knees?

When a person stands with the knees together, the ankles may remain apart. The term describes alignment; it does not by itself explain the cause, severity, symptoms, or need for treatment.

Some inward knee alignment is a common part of leg development in children and may change as they grow. Assessment is more useful when the alignment is pronounced, differs clearly between sides, appears to be increasing, begins after an injury, or continues with functional problems.

In adults, genu valgum can reflect a longstanding shape or develop alongside joint wear, previous injury, or another bone or joint problem. Clinicians examine the whole limb because hip position, foot posture, and rotation can change how the knees look and move.

Observe walking, running, balance, shoe wear, pain, and whether one side looks different. For a child, bring photographs taken over time and mention any concerns about growth or frequent tripping. Do not force the legs into a straighter position or rely on unprescribed braces.

A clinician or paediatric physiotherapist can assess strength, movement control, joint mobility, and function. Exercise may improve capacity and movement quality when weakness or control is contributing, but it does not necessarily change the underlying bone alignment. Surgery such as osteotomy is reserved for selected structural problems after specialist assessment.

Seek a routine assessment for persistent pain, difficulty walking or running, repeated falls, a clear side-to-side difference, or alignment that is becoming more noticeable. Prompt care is appropriate after an injury if the person cannot bear weight or the knee looks suddenly deformed.

A hot, very swollen knee with fever needs urgent medical evaluation. Sudden calf swelling, chest pain, or breathing difficulty also requires urgent help rather than an alignment appointment.

Ask whether the alignment fits expected growth or suggests an underlying problem, whether both legs are affected equally, and what the examination shows about hips and feet. Clarify the goal of any exercise, whether imaging would alter care, and which changes should trigger follow-up.