Knock knees, medically known as genu valgum, is a condition where the knees angle inward and touch or nearly touch when the legs are straightened. While often associated with childhood development, knock knees can persist into adulthood or even develop later in life. This condition can lead to a range of issues, including pain in the knees, hips, and ankles, as well as an increased risk of osteoarthritis. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatments is crucial for managing and potentially correcting knock knees in adults.

The causes of knock knees in adults can be varied. Developmental issues from childhood, where the condition didn’t fully resolve, are a common reason. However, other factors can contribute or exacerbate knock knees in adulthood. These include obesity, which places additional stress on the knee joints, and certain medical conditions like rickets (a softening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency), Blount’s disease (a growth disorder affecting the shin bone), or arthritis, which can damage the knee joint and lead to deformities. Trauma to the knee or surrounding bones can also play a role.

### Biographical Data

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| **Condition** | Genu Valgum (Knock Knees) |
| **Primary Symptoms** | Knees touching or close together when legs are straight, inward bowing of the legs, pain in the knees, hips, and ankles, difficulty walking or running, increased risk of osteoarthritis. |
| **Potential Causes** | Childhood developmental issues, obesity, rickets, Blount’s disease, arthritis, knee injuries, genetic factors. |
| **Diagnosis** | Physical examination, medical history, X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans. |
| **Treatment Options**| Physical therapy, orthotics, weight management, bracing, surgery (osteotomy, arthroscopy, joint replacement). |
| **Reference** | [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knock-knees/symptoms-causes/syc-20354111](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knock-knees/symptoms-causes/syc-20354111) |

## Understanding and Fixing Knock Knees in Adults

Knock knees, or genu valgum, is a condition characterized by the knees bending inward, often to the point where they touch or nearly touch when a person stands with their feet flat on the floor. While this condition is frequently observed in children and often corrects itself as they grow, it can persist into adulthood or even arise in later life due to various factors. The implications of knock knees in adults can extend beyond aesthetics, potentially leading to pain, discomfort, and long-term joint issues.

The underlying causes of knock knees in adults are diverse and can stem from unresolved childhood conditions, obesity, injuries, or certain medical ailments. For instance, conditions like rickets, which weakens bones, or Blount’s disease, affecting bone growth in the