Has your child started walking with knees touching each other and feet wide apart? 😟
If yes, your child may have a condition called “Knock Knees” or Genu Valgus.
Hi! I’m Dr. Anupam Khandelwal, Orthopedic Surgeon & Pediatric Bone Specialist from Indore, and in this page, I’ll explain everything you need to know — from why it happens, how to identify it early, and what modern treatments are available — in simple language. 💬
👶 What Are Knock Knees (Genu Valgus)?
Knock knees is a condition where your child’s knees bend inward and touch each other while standing, even though their ankles stay apart.
It is quite common between 2 to 6 years of age and often corrects naturally as the child grows. However, in some children, it becomes more severe or persists even after age 7 — this is when medical evaluation is important.
⚕️ Causes of Knock Knees in Children
While mild knock knees are part of normal growth, some children develop abnormal angulation due to:
- Vitamin D or calcium deficiency (rickets)
- Injury to growth plate
- Bone infections in early childhood
- Obesity or rapid growth
- Genetic or metabolic bone disorders
Sometimes, knock knees can also be a sign of an underlying bone disease — which is why proper diagnosis by an orthopedic specialist is essential.
Some children have one leg more affected than the other — this is a red flag for early correction.
🧠 How to Identify Knock Knees at Home
Here’s a simple guide for parents:
✅ Normal – Knees touch slightly, gap between ankles less than 2 inches.
⚠️ Abnormal – Knees strongly touch but ankles stay apart more than 3 inches.
❗ Concerning – Child complains of pain, limp, or has one leg more bent than the other.
If you notice these signs, it’s time to visit a pediatric orthopedic clinic.
Diagnosis at Dr. Anupam Khandelwal’s Clinic – Indore
At our Indore clinic, we begin with:
📸 X-rays (to assess growth plates & bone angles)
📸 Scannogram (ONG )
🩺 Clinical exam for gait and alignment
🧪 Blood tests for Vitamin D, calcium, thyroid levels
With this data, we can precisely determine whether your child’s deformity is physiological (normal) or pathological (needs correction).
We also measure mechanical axis deviation, which helps plan whether your child needs simple exercises, bracing, or a minor corrective surgery.
💪 Treatment Options for Knock Knees
The goal of treatment is straight, pain-free legs with normal growth and confidence.
1️⃣ Observation & Nutritional Support (for mild cases)
For young children with mild knock knees:
- Regular follow-up every 6 months
- Vitamin D & calcium supplements
- Outdoor play & sunlight 🌞
- Leg strengthening exercises
🩵 Most mild deformities improve naturally with growth and nutrition!
2️⃣ Bracing and Physiotherapy
In growing children with mild to moderate deformity, we sometimes recommend:
- Night-time knee braces
- Physiotherapy to strengthen quadriceps & hamstrings
- Weight management for overweight children
Braces gently guide bone growth while maintaining mobility.
3️⃣ Guided Growth Surgery (Hemiepiphysiodesis)
For children aged 8–13 years with moderate deformity:
- Tiny plates (“8-plates”) are placed near the growth plate
- It guides the leg to straighten naturally as the child grows
- No plaster, minimal scar, and next-day walking 🦵✨
- Correction occurs gradually over 6–12 months
It’s a safe, daycare procedure performed under short anesthesia.
4️⃣ Corrective Osteotomy (for older teens or severe cases)
When bone growth is nearly complete (usually after 14 years), a surgical correction is done:
- Bone is cut precisely at the deformity
- Re-aligned using a small metal plate or rod
- Healing takes around 8–10 weeks
- Results are long-lasting and symmetrical
At our Indore center, we use 3D planning and minimally invasive techniques for faster, safer recovery.
⏱️ When Should You Consider Surgery?
You should discuss surgical correction if:
- Your child is older than 8 years and the deformity is worsening
- The gap between ankles > 3 inches
- There is pain, limping, or unequal leg length
- The deformity affects sports or confidence
Remember, early surgery = simpler correction + better growth results.
🩵 “The right time is when growth plates are open and correction is still possible!”
🏃♂️ Post-surgery Recovery
Most children start walking the next day after guided growth surgery!
Within weeks, they’re back to school and play.Regular follow-ups help us track the gradual correction — usually complete within 6 to 12 months depending on growth speed.
🎯 Goal: Straight legs, balanced posture, and confident movement.
💬 Patient Testimonial 🌟
“My 11-year-old son from Ujjain had visible knock knees and knee pain while running. We consulted Dr. Anupam in Indore. He advised guided growth surgery. My son walked the very next day! Within 10 months, his legs are perfectly straight. Thank you, doctor!”
– Mr. S. P****, Ujjain (Father of Patient)
💬 अब मेरा बेटा फिर से आत्मविश्वास के साथ मैदान में दौड़ता है। धन्यवाद डॉक्टर साहब! 🙏
🌍 For African & Swahili-speaking Parents 🇰🇪
Watoto wenye magoti yaliyopinda wanaweza kutibiwa kabisa!
Dr. Anupam Khandelwal anatibu watoto kwa njia salama na upasuaji wa kisasa huko Indore, India.
Uponaji wa haraka, maumivu kidogo, na matokeo bora! 🌟
🇮🇳 In Hindi (हिन्दी में)
“बच्चों के टेढ़े घुटने (नॉक नीज़) सही उम्र में पहचानने और इलाज से पूरी तरह ठीक हो सकते हैं।”
“अगर बच्चा दर्द या असमान चाल दिखा रहा है, तो जांच देर न करें।”
“डॉ. अनुपम खंडेलवाल के अनुभव से बच्चों को नया आत्मविश्वास और स्वस्थ चाल मिलती है।”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ Can knock knees correct naturally?
Yes! Most children under 6 years outgrow mild knock knees naturally. However, if it persists beyond age 7–8, consult an orthopedic specialist.
2️⃣ What is the best age for guided growth surgery?
Between 8 to 13 years, when growth plates are still open and bones can be naturally guided into alignment.
3️⃣ Is the surgery painful or risky?
No. It’s a minor, low-risk procedure done under anesthesia. Kids usually go home the same day and walk the next morning.
4️⃣ How long does it take to see results?
Correction is gradual — usually seen within 6–12 months, depending on the child’s growth rate.
5️⃣ Can adults with knock knees be treated?
Yes, adults may require osteotomy (bone correction) surgery, which gives excellent cosmetic and functional results.
6️⃣ Are braces helpful?
Mild cases may benefit from bracing or physiotherapy, but structural deformities need guided correction.
📍 Why Choose Dr. Anupam Khandelwal in Indore?
✅ International training in Germany & Korea
✅ Expertise in pediatric deformity correction
✅ State-of-the-art surgical technology
✅ Personalized follow-ups & affordable packages
✅ Trusted by families from Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Ratlam & across Madhya Pradesh
🏁 Final Thoughts
Knock knees in children are not just a cosmetic issue — they can affect posture, balance, and long-term joint health. The good news? Modern treatment methods like guided growth surgery make correction simple, safe, and highly successful.
👶 Early diagnosis = Easier correction = Lifelong confidence 🌈
👶 Healthy legs today mean confident steps tomorrow!
🧭 How to Reach Us
📍 Dr. Anupam Khandelwal Joint & Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic
Location: Indore, Madhya Pradesh
🕐 Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM (Mon–Sat)
📞 Book Appointment: +91-8818814030
🌐 Website: www.dranupamkhandelwal.com
Serving families from Bhopal, Ujjain, Jabalpur, and across Central India.