What should you know about overpronation and knock knees?

Overpronation means the foot rolls inward as weight is taken through it. Knock knees, also called genu valgum, describe knees angling inward when standing or walking. These findings can occur together, but one does not automatically prove that the other caused it. Flexible alignment may be harmless, while pain, stiffness, uneven wear, or difficulty running deserves assessment.

In children, leg shape changes as bones grow, so age and development matter. A clinician may observe walking, standing, squatting, footwear wear patterns, hip movement, and leg length rather than judging alignment from a photograph alone.

Choose comfortable, supportive footwear and avoid rapidly increasing running, jumping, or other high-load activity. Strength and movement exercises should match the person’s control and symptoms; forcing the knees or feet into a corrected position can irritate them. A physiotherapist can assess the whole chain from hip to foot and build a gradual programme.

For a growing child, paediatric physiotherapy may help when movement control or symptoms are the concern. In marked structural alignment, an orthopaedic team may discuss options such as [Osteotomy](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/osteotomy/), but this is not a routine answer to a painless appearance.

Arrange assessment for persistent knee, hip, ankle, or foot pain; repeated falls; limping; reduced activity; one-sided or rapidly changing alignment; or swelling after injury. Seek prompt care when a child cannot bear weight, has severe pain, or develops sudden weakness or numbness.

Ask whether the alignment is flexible or structural, whether both legs are developing similarly, and whether symptoms are coming from the foot, knee, hip, or another area. Ask which exercises and footwear changes are suitable and what change should trigger review.