Suppose you are willing to stand tall and straight, but your knees have a different plan. Instead of facing outward, they face each other. It’s not only an aesthetic concern in adults, but it also causes knee pain and premature degeneration of the knee joint.
Knock knees (genu valgum) happen when your knees touch while your feet stay apart. However, there are many treatment approaches to fix knock knees in adults.
Continue reading to find out what causes knock knees and some possible treatments.
Effective Treatments to Align Knock Knees
In adults, knock knees (genu valgum) can be treated with both non-surgical and surgical options, depending on the severity of the condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Managing weight can help reduce strain on the knees, while physical therapy exercises like side lunges and wall squats strengthen the legs and improve balance. Orthotics can correct foot alignment, especially if one leg is longer than the other, and braces may help realign the knees in mild cases. Injections such as hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids can relieve pain and slow joint degeneration.
Surgical Options
Surgery is usually considered for severe cases or when other treatments fail. An osteotomy, such as distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) or high tibial osteotomy (HTO), involves cutting and reshaping the bone to realign the leg, secured with plates and screws.
Robotic knee replacement can help improve leg alignment and balance for older adults with severe knock knees. The robotic system makes precise implant placement possible, which can lead to smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and faster recovery. This procedure helps reduce pain, improve movement, and restore knee function, bringing back your active lifestyle.
What Causes Knock Knees in Adults?
In adults, knock knees (genu valgum) can have different causes, including:
- Injury
- Arthritis
- Genetic Conditions
- Obesity
- Infection
- Congenital
Importance of Fixing Knock Knees
Fixing knock knees is important because the condition can cause joint pain, arthritis, and mobility problems over time. Unlike in children, knock knees in adults don’t go away on their own and can worsen as arthritis develops. Treating the issue early can help prevent severe joint damage. Otherwise, you may need a total knee replacement in the future.
Who Can Perform a Knock Knee Surgery?
Knock knee surgery is done by an orthopedic surgeon to correct leg alignment. The success of the procedure depends on the type of surgery and the patient’s condition. During the surgery, the bone is cut and repositioned to correct the leg’s angle, then stabilized with plates and screws. Recovery includes partial weight-bearing and movement exercises to restore function.
Knock Knee Surgery Recovery Time
Recovery from knock knee surgery takes several weeks to months. The initial healing phase lasts about 4-6 weeks. Patients use crutches for around 6 weeks, placing only light pressure on the foot for balance. Physical therapy starts about two weeks after surgery to rebuild strength. Full recovery, including complete bone healing, can take 6 months or more, with a commitment to physical therapy for regaining mobility.
Wrapping Up
Knock knees can be a source of pain and functional difficulties for many people. Fortunately, orthopedic surgeons can fix knock knees in adults with effective procedures. However, early intervention is important before the condition affects your quality of life.
For more information, please schedule a visit with renowned hip and knee replacement surgeon, Ugo Ihekweazu, MD. Dr. Ihekweazu is an expert in state-of-the-art, technology aided hip and knee replacement surgery. Call us at (713) 799-2300 to secure an appointment.