Knock knees
Introduction
A person with knock knees has a large gap between their feet when they're standing with their knees together.
Many young children have knock knees, which tend to be most obvious at around the age of four.
This is almost always just a normal part of their development, and their legs will normally straighten by the age of six or seven.
Slight knock knees can continue into adulthood, but this also isn't usually anything to worry about unless it causes other problems.
However, knock knees can very occasionally be a sign of an underlying condition that requires treatment, especially if the condition develops in older children or adults, or doesn't improve at all with age.
The medical name for knock knees is genu valgum.
This page covers:
When to seek medical advice
What causes knock knees?
Treatments for knock knees
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 25 Nov 2016
Introduction
Read about knock knees, a common condition in which there's a large gap between the feet while standing with your legs together. Find out about the symptoms, causes and treatments.
S ymptoms of knock knees
Ifsomeone with knock knees stands with their knees together, their lower legs will be spread out so their feet and ankles are further apart than normal. A small distance between the ankles is normal,
When to seek medical advice
Knock knees in children aren't usually a cause for concern and should improve as your child gets older. However, visit your GP if: the gap betweentheankles is greater than 8cm while standing with t
What causes knock knees?
Knock knees are fairlycommon in healthy children under the ages of six or seven, and are just a normal part of growth and development. The legs will normally gradually straighten as the child grows,
Treatments forknock knees
In most cases, knock knees don't need to be treated because the problem tends to correct itself as a child grows. Your child doesn't need to avoid physical activity, wear supportive leg braces or sho
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