Knock knees is a casual term used to describe a condition known as genu valgum. The condition is characterized by the inward bending of the knees, causing them to touch or come close together while the ankles are spaced apart. It is common in adolescence (evident in up to 75% of children between ages 3 and 5) and typically resolves itself as we progress into later teenagers year. However, it does persist into adulthood for some. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) that about 10% of adults have a certain type of knock knees, although in some cases it’s purely self-reported and not a condition that onlookers notice without close inspection. That being said, you have identified (or have been told) that you exhibit the stance, and have come online to search for a physiotherapist for knock knees near you. Our Burnaby BC clinic is here to help. Call 604.558.2273 or email [email protected] to take corrective action right away, or read ahead first for some helpful information.
Why You Have Knock Knees and Why Our Physiotherapy Clinic is Where to Come for Correction
Reasons for Knock Knees
Before we address why we’re the most qualified physiotherapist for knock knees correction, it helps to understand what may be altering the position of your lower body while standing and walking. We can narrow down the causes of knock knees that a physiotherapist can directly address. These include the following
- Early Injury to the growth area of the shinbone (tibia) or thighbone (femur) can disrupt bone growth and prevent common childhood knock knees from resolving on their own.
- Early infections in the bone can cause abnormal bone growth and disrupt bone growth and prevent common childhood knock knees from resolving on their own.
- Early metabolic diseases or renal failure that can affect bone metabolism and disrupt bone growth and prevent common childhood knock knees from resolving on their own.
- Genetics, as in many cases knock knees run in the family.
- A poor gait (walking pattern) can contribute to or exacerbate the issue, straining the knees and leading to or worsening the condition.
- Rickets, which is a bone-softening disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus.
- Congenital conditions that may cause result h a predisposition to knock knees.
- Osteoarthritis, which s a degenerative joint disease can lead to misalignment of the knee joint, resulting in knock knees later in life, especially if predisposed to knock knees through genetics.
- Obesity, in that unhealthy weight gain can put additional strain on the knees.
How Our Physiotherapists Will Help
In all cases above, a physiotherapist from our Burnaby BC clinic can help, with varying degrees depending upon age and how long you have lived with knock knees. In all scenarios, physiotherapy treatments for knock knees are about the same, focusing on restoring proper alignment and strength to the knees, hips, and ankles, in addition to addressing underlying muscle imbalances. This involves a combination of manual therapy, stretching programs, and exercise programs that can be employed in-clinic and at hime. In some cases, athletic-taping in addition to custom orthotics may be prescribed to help realign the knees. Our physiotherapists are also qualified to provide nutrition and lifestyle advise to help correct the issue, where applicable.
Ready to stand and walk with confidence? Schedule an assessment at our Burnaby BC clinic today!
Correct Your Knock Knees Today!
(Burnaby and Vancouver fitness enthusiasts)