Ask the Expert: Dr. Austin Fragomen, Orthopedic Surgeon, Answers Your Questions on Knock Knees
by Dr. Austin Fragomen
Q1. What causes knock knees and can they be corrected? What is the impact on the ankles, knees and hips?
There are many causes for genu valgum (knock knees). Most cases are developmental, where people are born with the deformity and it becomes more noticeable with time. An injury to the growth plate in a child can also lead to knock knees. Knock knees can be surgically corrected. The surgical technique used may vary depending on age.
Knock knees can affect the ankles and knees as well as the hips. This is a form of misalignment and it can cause increasing pressure and pain in the front of the knee because the knee cap is off center. The ankles may struggle to keep the foot flat on the ground. The ankle and foot will need to compensate to make up for misalignment at the knee, often leading to ankle pain. Abnormal hip rotation is often associated with knock knees and can cause hip pain. This needs to be recognized and addressed with any corrective surgery for the knock knees.
Q2. I have knock knees as well as hip and back issues. Is there any correlation?
Knock knees can be associated with knee, hip and back pain. Furthermore, correction of the deformity will often alleviate the pain. If a patient is overweight and has knock knees, then losing weight will help the hip and back pain. Knock knees are often related to leg length differences. A leg length inequality will often lead to hip and back pain. Having the legs equalized will help treat the pain. Consult with a physician for the best course of treatment.
Q3. Is knock knee surgery possible on someone in their late twenties?
Yes, there is no age limit for corrective surgery for knock knees. The surgical technique used may vary depending on age. Children can take advantage of their remaining growth to guide the bones straighter with minor surgery. Adults can benefit from osteotomy surgery on the knee to obtain a correction. Older patients with arthritis will often receive a knee replacement to treat both problems with great success. It is important to consult with a physician to determine the best course of treatment.
Q4. Can knock knees get worse over time?
The deformity can get worse in some cases. In children the deformity can progress with growth. If arthritis is present, the deformity can progress as the joint wears out further. In adults the medial ligaments of the knee can stretch and cause greater deformity.
Q5. Are there any non-surgical treatments for knock knees?
The best non-surgical treatments are aimed at reducing the risk of arthritis development in the knee. This includes maintaining a low body weight, keeping fit while avoiding high impact activities (running, soccer, singles, tennis, basketball, etc.) and bracing. These treatments will not change the knock knee deformity but they will help in reducing the functional problems associated with the deformity. Talk with a physician about the best treatment for you.
Dr. Austin Fragomen is an orthopedic surgeon and the director of the Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service at Hospital for Special Surgery.
Comments
Dr. Fragomen and his team both at The Institute For Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction & HSS are absolutely wonderful. It is because of their dedication to their patients that I am on my feet today.
Sincerely,
Carlo Ligammari
Hi Carlo, thank you for your note. We”ll share it with Dr. Fragomen.
We”re interested in hearing more about your story–please email us at socialmediacontact@hss.edu.
First I would like to thank Dr. for this post. It is really helpful. helpful to understand Knock knee. I would be vert very thankful if you reply to my issue described below.
I am 24yrs female and my knock knee problem was detected some 4 or 5 yrs ago. I think the distance between feet is 21cm. I have read many posts on internet regarding this. I am fine to live with cross legs and I am lookinf for aesthetic look. I dont want to go for surgery. But I would like to know
1. if the feet gap will increase by age? How to avoid this?
2. Do we have a way to avoid the pain?
3. Precautionary measures to avoid pain and the gap.
4. ways to prevent my knee joint pain.
Sometimes I suffer from lot of pain. I dont want to get bed ridden
I request you to please address my issues in detail.
lot of thanks in advance.
Hi Ashu, thank you for your questions on knock knee. For detailed information related to knock knee, please refer to the below links. In addition, you can contact Physician Referral Service at 877-606-1555 or visit them online at https://www.hss.edu/secure/prs-appointment-request.asp to find a doctor who will be the best match for your condition.
Articles on knock knee
An interview with HSS surgeons about knock knees
http://www.hss.edu/conditions_limb-leg-deformity-pediatric-patient.asp
Overview on knee joint pain
http://www.hss.edu/conditions_patellofemoral-arthritis-in-the-knee-overview.asp
How can I find a doctor close to me for a consultation? I have back pain as well as knee pains but the length between my feet is not as drastic as some. I live in Columbus, Ga.
Hi Justin – Thanks for reaching out. We recommend the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. They have a section called “Find an Orthopaedist.” If you are interested in traveling to HSS for your care, please reference the HSS Coast to Coast Program for Traveling Patients website: http://www.hss.edu/coast-to-coast.asp. Best of luck in your search!
I am interested in this surgery and I live in NY so going to HSS isn”t a problem. However I am 23 years old, and isn”t recovering from ortho surgery much harder when you are older as opposed to when you are younger?
Recovery time can vary from person-to-person, so we recommend seeing a doctor to get a better estimate. If you”d like to make an appointment with us, please contact Physician Referral Service at 877-606-1555 or visit them online at https://www.hss.edu/secure/prs-appointment-request.asp
I am 33 yrs old and knock kneed. I have been all my life. I want to get me legs realigned and really my question is how much would it cost to have my surgery a HSS.
Are there pictures I could look at?
Sandra, you can see photos of realignment and learn more by visiting: http://www.hss.edu/limb-lengthening-realignment-knee-deformities.asp The success and costs involved with realignment surgery can vary from patient to patient. If you’d like to come to us, we suggest that you contact Physician Referral Service at 877-606-1555 or visit them online at https://www.hss.edu/secure/prs-appointment-request.asp.
AFTER dis surgery …how much tym will required 2 get back their ….noral routines….in short …how long dis surgery recovery takes place ?
Priya, Dr. Austin Fragomen says: “It usually takes 3 months for the bone to heal, then another 6 weeks of rehab to recover to normal activities.” The treating physician will advise on recovery period that is right for you. If you or someone you know would like to come to see us for this procedure, contact Physician Referral Service at 877-606-1555 or visit them online at https://www.hss.edu/secure/prs-appointment-request.asp.
I have knock knee and would like to correct them about how much it will cost to do so?
Thanks for writing, Carol. Costs and corrective procedures can vary from patient to patient and should be assessed by a doctor. If you would like to come to see us, please contact Physician Referral Service at 877-606-1555 or visit them online at https://www.hss.edu/secure/prs-appointment-request.asp.
This is great …I didn”t know that can be corrected
I have knock knees but it”s not like it”s severe and I don”t
have any back pain or join pain… I”m a very active ! Do you think I should get surgery ?
Glad to hear you’re staying active! If you’d like to speak with one of our doctors to find out if you are a candidate for surgery, please contact our Physician Referral Service at 877-606-1555 or visit them online at https://www.hss.edu/secure/prs-appointment-request.asp.
am a nigerian, how can i have contact with him?
Hi Bekkie – Thanks for reaching out. Our International Center works to facilitate the clinical and related needs of international patients and their families with cultural sensitivity to ensure the highest quality standard of care. You can contact them at +1 212.606.1186 or international@hss.edu.
Amazing and awesome post!Million thanks to the honourable doctor for great post.It is so useful and helpful for me and others as well.Very helpful to understand and know alot of Knock knee.I learnt many things from this great website article.Will visit back this awesome tips site again.God bless you all.Amen!Stay healthy also.
Thnx fr dis doctor.I”m from ghana and wld like to knw more about it cos the sight alone kills me
Hi Marlene, To learn more about knock knees and treatment for this disorder, please visit http://www.hss.edu/limb-lengthening-realignment-knee-deformities.asp. If you’re interested in visiting HSS, please contact our International Center at +1 212.606.1186, international@hss.edu or http://www.hss.edu/international-center.asp.
Hi
My son is 9.5 yrs old and heavily into sports including tennis and soccer. He has knocking knees since birth and we were told it will rectify by itself. He has never complained of any issues while playing but since he wants to get serious into tennis and maybe also take it professionally down the line I am concerned if the knocking knees will become a problem and make him prone to injuries. What should be our course of action?
Dear Pankaj, We’re glad to hear your son is doing so well. Our chief of pediatric orthopedic surgery, Dr. Roger Widmann, recommends your son sees a physician and says, “Alignment x-rays from hip to ankle will quantify the amount of valgus (knock-knees), and the amount of valgus will dictate the course of action. Usually this is followed for a period of time, and if the valgus is very large and/or increasing then there are minimally invasive surgical options for correction during adolescence.” If you’d like to make an appointment with an HSS physician, please contact our Physician Referral Service at +1.877.606.1555 or https://www.hss.edu/secure/prs-appointment-request.asp?pageid=6463.
Hi,am from nigeria,i developed pain in my left kneel at d age of 9,with time,i noticed a protruded growth on my left,later,my right knee became affected,i consulted a doctor and was told dat i have exostosis,both knees became knocked,i did a surgery to remove d growth,i was told dat my knees will become normal after d surgery,am 27,d knees are still knocked and sometimes i feel pain,what should i do?should i go for another surgery?
Hi Ed, Thanks for reaching out. We’re sorry you’re having pain. Please contact our International Center for information on traveling to HSS for care at +1 212.606.1186 or international@hss.edu.
I was diagnosed with right median neuropathy consistent with carpal tunnel. Would I possibly need surgery on my left hand or on my right hand?
Hi Leya, Thanks for reaching out. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Aaron Daluiski says, “It depends. If the compression and the symptoms are severe, then I will often recommend surgery. It depends on the symptoms and exam findings. which can be determined by examination of the patient.” It’s best to consult with your physician. If you’d like to make an appointment with an HSS physician, please contact our Physician Referral Service at +1.877.606.1555 or https://www.hss.edu/secure/prs-appointment-request.asp?pageid=6463.
my child 4 years old and has knock knees the width between his feet about 6 fingers is the exercise can cure or surgery needed
Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately we cannot comment on your son’s case without a physical consult. If you’d like to make an appointment with an HSS physician, please contact our Physician Referral Service at +1.877.606.1555 or https://www.hss.edu/secure/prs-appointment-request.asp?pageid=6463.
I have had knocked knees since I was 11.someone threw me off a high building and back home.I suffered severely. they don”t really have any way to correct this.I am beautiful but feel very ugly.i cannot wear any form of trousers,I have lost many suitors because of my knocked knee,and I have very low esteem.and my knees hurt.I can hear people talk about my leg sometimes,and I feel so bad.I didnt some research and all the websites said they was no surgery for this.trust and believe me I was already going to talk to a doctor to give them a business idea.the idea is to great a device that adults could put in between their legs underneath a dress or pants that will make the leg look straight and another device we can wear,maybe an hour or two a day to help straighten the leg.there,s a large community of knocked knees people.and am happy we can now do surgery.
Thanks for reaching out. We’re sorry to hear you’re suffering. If you’d like to make an appointment with an HSS physician, please contact the Physician Referral Service at +1.877.606.1555 or https://www.hss.edu/secure/prs-appointment-request.asp?pageid=6463.