What should you know about massage for knock knees?

Knock knees, also called genu valgum, describe an alignment in which the knees angle inward when the legs are together. In children, leg shape can change as they grow, and the significance depends on age, symmetry, pain, walking pattern, and progression. Massage can help a child or adult feel less muscle tension, but hands-on pressure cannot remodel an established bone angle. A clinician may examine the hips, knees, feet, gait, and leg lengths to understand what is contributing to symptoms.

Do not use massage as a way to force the knees into a new position. Choose gentle work only when it is comfortable, and stop if it causes joint pain, swelling, bruising, or altered walking. A physiotherapist can assess strength, balance, movement habits, and activity needs; [Paediatric Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/paediatric-physiotherapy/) may be relevant for a child. Supportive exercises can improve control and comfort, but they are different from changing the bone alignment. In selected cases with significant symptoms or progression, an orthopaedic team may discuss [Osteotomy](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/osteotomy/).

Arrange a review if one leg looks different from the other, the alignment is becoming more noticeable, pain limits play or walking, the child tires unusually quickly, or the knees remain painful after activity. Prompt assessment is sensible after an injury, with swelling, locking, giving way, fever, or inability to bear weight. A new or rapidly changing alignment should not be managed with massage alone.

Is the alignment appropriate for my age or growth stage? Are the hips, feet, or leg lengths affecting the appearance? Which exercises or activities are suitable? What changes would make imaging, specialist review, or surgery worth discussing?