Knock Knees and Normal Knees: What to Know

With knock knees, the knees may touch or sit closer together while the ankles remain apart. Mild inward alignment can be part of normal childhood development and may change as a child grows. A clinician considers age, whether both legs look similar, pain, walking pattern, and whether the alignment is changing. In adults, persistent or worsening alignment can alter how force passes through the hips, knees, and ankles. A photograph alone cannot show the underlying bone shape or joint loading.

Notice whether the alignment is symmetrical and whether it affects walking, running, stairs, or sitting. Comfortable activity is usually reasonable when there is no pain, but avoid forcing the legs straight with braces or exercises chosen without advice. A paediatric or orthopaedic assessment can include an examination of leg length, hip and ankle movement, muscle control, and foot position. Physiotherapy may help movement control when weakness or coordination contributes; see Paediatric Physiotherapy for child-focused support.

Arrange an assessment for pain, limping, repeated falls, stiffness, reduced activity, one-sided alignment, or a noticeable change over a short period. Seek prompt medical advice after an injury that causes swelling, inability to bear weight, or a sudden change in leg shape. Urgency is based on these symptoms, not on the appearance of knock knees alone.

Is this alignment appropriate for my age? Could the pattern be coming from the hip, knee, shin, or foot? Do symptoms suggest an examination or imaging? Would physiotherapy address a specific movement problem? If correction is being considered, why might an osteotomy be appropriate?