Inverted Knees (Genu Valgum) | Cause, diagnosis, symptoms, exercises and treatment

Learn more about symptoms, cause, treatment, exercises and possible diagnoses of inverted knees. Inverted knees are known as genu valgum in the medical jargon. Feel free to follow and like us Our Facebook page.

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- When the knees turn inward more than they should

Genu valgum (inverted knees) is thus a condition where the knees tilt so much inwards that they are close to each other - without the ankles being. This diagnosis is most common among young children and can lead to parents becoming very worried and scared. But it is the case that in the vast majority of cases the child will grow out of it without any major measures - however, it can be said that pediatric physiotherapy is recommended in such cases to ensure the best possible functionality. In cases where the child does not grow out of it or that it occurs in recent times, further treatment and measures may be necessary.

If you want to know more about knee pain, you can read extensively about this in this review article below. This article, on the other hand, is dedicated specifically to inverted knees.

Read more: - This You Should Know About Knee Pain

What is genu valgum (inverted knees)?

Genu valgum is often just called crooked knees or inverted knees. The condition makes it so that if the person has their knees next to each other (with their legs together), then there will still be a clear distance between the ankles. The knees thus look as if they are pushing against each other.

The diagnosis is relatively common and affects as much as 20 percent of 3-year-olds. In the vast majority of cases, things will, as mentioned earlier, get better by themselves without external action. Only 1 percent (or less) at the age of 7 will still have the diagnosis - in other words, most people will grow it. In rare cases, the diagnosis can persist into adolescence - or it can occur in later life due to the underlying disease.

- Above you see an example of a typical development of genu valgum

Any treatment depends on the cause of the condition - and it can vary from person to person.

Causes: Why do some have inverted knees?

There are several possible reasons for genu valgum. Among other things, several genetic conditions. Some possible causes and risk factors include:

• Hip Problems

• Overweight

• Illness or injury affecting bones and hips

• Arthritis of the knee

• Lack of vitamin D or calcium

• Weakness in the muscles (especially the seat and hips) and muscular imbalance

It is therefore common for muscle weakness to be a triggering factor for this condition - and it is therefore common for this to be a condition that is often seen in younger children in development.

Relief and load management for knee pain

If the inward-facing knees also cause pain, relief measures should be considered - such as knee compression support. The support can help to provide both increased stability and relief to the area.

Tips: Knee compression support (The link opens in a new window)

Click on the image or link to read more about the knee compression support and how it can help your knee.

Diagnosis: How are inverted knees (genu valgum) diagnosed?

Due to the fact that it is so common in those under 3 years of age, the official diagnosis is often not made for this age group. But if the condition persists among slightly older children and beyond, then the clinician will try to find the cause. Any treatment is then adapted to the cause of the problem.

The clinician will ask several questions in the history taking (anamnesis), as well as examine the person's medical history and previously diagnosed diseases. Of clinical examination, one will in particular examine:

• Knees position when the child is standing upright

• gait

• Leg length and any differences there

• Uneven wear pattern on the footwear

In certain cases, imaging (MRI or X-ray) may also be relevant to estimate the cause of the condition.

Treatment of inverted knees

Treatment and any action taken will depend on the nature and cause of the problem. Some possible treatments may include:

• Child Therapy: A child physiotherapist is a physiotherapist with a focus on the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in children and adolescents. Physiotherapy is mainly focused on specific training to address muscular weaknesses and imbalances in the child.
• Medicine and drugs: If there is an underlying disease, then it may be relevant with specific medication adapted to any findings.
• Regular movement and exercise: A clinician can give the child simple strength exercises and stretches. Such exercises can help strengthen weak muscles in the legs and in this way straighten the knees.
• Weight loss: If obesity is a factor in the problem, then reducing the load by losing weight can be a good idea. Increased weight puts increased strain on the legs and knees, which can lead to inverted knees getting worse.
• Sole Customization: Soles can be adjusted by an orthopedist. Such sole adaptations are intended to help the child walk correctly and step more correctly on the foot. Such sole adaptations are particularly effective for children who have a clear difference in leg length. In more severe cases, it may also be appropriate with orthopedic splints to ensure that the legs grow in the correct anatomical position.
• Surgery: Surgery is very rarely used for genu valgum - but can be used in certain very serious cases where children's physiotherapy and other measures have not worked.

Prognosis

Parents should therefore not worry. In the majority of children with genu valgus, the condition will improve on its own as the child grows. However, we recommend that you contact a children's physiotherapist for an examination of the muscles, leg position and gait - to see if training or sole fitting is appropriate. If the condition occurs at an older age, it should be examined by a doctor. Do you have questions about the article or do you need more tips? Ask us directly via our facebook page or via the comment box below.

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