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WHAT ARE VALGUS KNEES?

Valgus knees cause people to have a large gap pf up to 8cm between their feet when standing with their knees together.

Also known as knock knees, it affects many children and usually becomes obvious at around four years old.

Most children's legs straighten by six or seven without treatment.

Knock knees can occasionally be a sign of an underlying condition that may not improve without therapy.

Causes can include rickets, an injury or infection affecting the knees, a genetic condition or excessive pressure on the knees due to obesity or loose ligaments.

Sufferers may experience pain or difficult walking, as well as increased pressure potentially leading to arthritis. 

If treatment is required, it may involve resolving any underlying condition, leg braces, shoe insoles, or surgery that inserts metal plates in the knees or a thin wedge of bone being removed to realign the limbs. 

Source: NHS Choices 

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