Your knee might be turning in (a condition often referred to as knock knees or genu valgum) due to several potential reasons, ranging from developmental factors to underlying medical conditions or injuries.
Here's a breakdown of possible causes:
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Developmental Variations: Many children experience knock knees as a normal part of growth. This is most common between ages 3 and 6 and usually corrects itself naturally by adolescence.
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Underlying Medical Conditions: In some cases, knock knees can be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition, including:
- Metabolic Bone Diseases: Conditions like rickets (vitamin D deficiency) can affect bone development and lead to knock knees.
- Renal (Kidney) Failure: Kidney problems can disrupt bone metabolism, contributing to skeletal deformities.
- Obesity: Excess weight can put stress on the knees, potentially leading to or worsening knock knees.
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Injury or Trauma: A traumatic knee injury, particularly one that affects the growth plate in children and adolescents, can cause the knee to turn inward.
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Infection: Infections that affect the bones or joints can also lead to deformities, including knock knees.
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Congenital or Genetic Factors: In rare cases, knock knees can be present at birth due to a congenital condition or be linked to genetic factors affecting bone development.
When to See a Doctor:
It's important to consult a doctor if:
- The knock-knee appearance is severe.
- It's present only on one leg.
- It's worsening instead of improving with age in children.
- It's accompanied by pain, stiffness, or difficulty walking.
- It develops suddenly in adulthood.
A healthcare professional can properly diagnose the cause of your knee turning in through a physical examination, medical history review, and potentially imaging tests like X-rays. Based on the diagnosis, they can recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include observation, physical therapy, bracing, or, in severe cases, surgery.
