What Is the First Treatment for Knock Knees?

Knock knees, also called genu valgum, describe knees that angle inward when the legs are straight. In growing children, alignment can change as the bones develop, so a clinician considers age, symmetry, pain, walking pattern, and the direction of change. The appearance alone does not determine treatment.

Paediatric physiotherapy may address balance, muscle control, coordination, and safe participation in play or sport. It cannot reshape a bone alignment by itself, but it can help a child move more efficiently while growth and clinical follow-up continue. Persistent, marked, painful, or worsening alignment may need review by an orthopaedic specialist.

Book an assessment if the knees cause pain, frequent falls, limping, difficulty running, or reduced participation in activities. Bring observations about when the alignment was first noticed and whether one side looks different. Encourage normal activity unless a clinician has advised a restriction. Do not use braces, supplements, or exercises marketed to straighten the bones without professional guidance.

Seek prompt care after a significant injury, sudden inability to walk, severe pain, or a swollen and hot joint. Arrange a specialist review if the alignment is rapidly changing, strongly asymmetric, or associated with night pain, weakness, or a noticeable change in walking. These features deserve examination rather than watchful waiting alone.

Ask whether the alignment is appropriate for the child’s stage of growth, how often it should be checked, and whether Paediatric Physiotherapy could improve movement. Ask what changes should trigger an earlier visit and when an operation such as Osteotomy might be discussed.