Can physical therapy fix knock knees?

Introduction:

Standing in an upright position and can't unable to close feet together

 is the classical symptom of knock knees, this deformity leads to

 touch or ''knock'' the knees against each other. The overall posture

 gets affected due to knock knees and if proper treatment doesn't get

 on time can leads to complication of lower limbs. It is more common

 in children than in adults

What causes knock knee?

There are various causes of knock knee(Genu Valgum) which needs

 to be understand according to the type of patient 

( age, height, health, body weight, BMI) etc. and many more, some of

 the causes are as follows: 

→ Misalignment of posture leads to deformity of knock knees

→ Overweight or obesity is more prone to Genu Valgum

→ Vitamin D deficiency

 → Adductor muscle(inner thigh) tightness prone to genu valgum deformity

 → Rickets (weaker bones put uneven pressure on joints resulting knock knee)

 → Pronation or everted foot(mal-alignment of ankle joint) provokes knock Knees.

Diagnosis of knock Knees

A physical therapist examine the knee and does the assessment with

 the help of goniometer, measuring the Q-angle defines the degree of

 deformity of genu valgum. If the Q-angle is 10 degree or more it

 confirms the diagnosis of knock Knees (genu valgum). Other

 diagnosis include X-ray and MRI also.

Treatment of knock Knees (Genu valgum)

Physical Therapy plays a major important role in the treatment of

 knock knees, therapy session include Electro-therapy and Exercise-

therapy, overall treatment emphasis on:

 → Knee pain reduction

 → Stretching of the tight muscles

 → Strengthening of the tight muscles

 → Kinesiology Taping of ankle joint to prevent eversion and maintain neutral joint position.

 → Postural correction 

 → Education and awareness about wrong position, for example,,

W sitting position provokes knock knee deformity.so its better to

 avoid this position.

Physical Therapy Exercises for Knock Knees is explained in this video 

After Physical Therapy rehabilitation for almost 8 weeks ( 2 months ) you can see the difference and smile of  patient and can easily recognize the power of Physical Therapy. This patient has recovered and now can she can do running, jumping, hopping, without any sort of discomfort.

 

You can easily compare the difference between before and after physical therapy treatment session

Surgery for Knock Knees

Surgery is not always necessary to treat genu valgum. However, in severe cases of knock knees that have failed non-surgical treatment, surgery may be of benefit. The surgical technique used may vary depending on age. For younger people, a small metal plate inserted in their knee can help direct future bone growth. This minor procedure is called guided growth surgery . In adults, it can lead to knee pain and premature degeneration of the knee joint. If you are experiencing any symptoms of knock knee, it is best to consult a physical therapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Conclusion: 

Myself Dr Shailendra Chourey in practice of physical therapy since

 2010 comes to a conclusion that Correction

 of knock knees includes many treatment but physical therapy should

 be the first line of treatment, it works in most of the cases without

 any side effects. Surgery should be the last option if any treatment

 doesn't works, so meet your physical therapist and do consult

 regarding genu valgum (knock knee).