What is knock knees (genu valgum)?
In knock knees (genu valgum), the lower legs are at an outward angle, such that when the knees are touching and the ankles are separated. ‘Genu’ is Latin for knee and ‘valgus’ means bent outwards. Most children develop a slight knock-kneed stance by the time they are 2 or 3 years old. This is part of normal development and often persists through age 5 or 6, at which time the legs begin to straighten fully.By puberty, most children can stand with the knees and ankles touching (without forcing the position). Knock knees can also develop as a result of disease processes. Most often the cause has already been diagnosed and the knock knees are recognized as a symptom of the condition.
