Knock knees  is a condition in which the knees touch but the ankles do not touch. The legs turn inwards. Infants are usually bowed leg because of their fold position in the womb.  Once the child starts walking around 12 to 18 months , the legs should begin to straighten.

The child becomes knock kneed when he stands by age 3 when he stands and the knees touch but the ankles are apart. By puberty most children are able to stand  with knees and ankles touching without forcing the position.

Some medical condition that may cause knock knees include the following :

• osteomyelitis ( bone infection )
• injury of the shin bone ( this will cause only one leg to be kowck kneed )
• overweight or obesity
• ricket which is lack of vitamin D

How is knock knees diagnosed ?

Your child will be physically examined by a health care professional. More tests will be done if there are signs that knock knees are not a part of normal development.

What is the treatment for knock knees ?

It is usually not treated. If the condition persists after age 7, the child may need night braces. This braces is attached to a shoe.

If the child’ s case is severe and continue  beyond childhood, surgery may be considered .

NOTE 

Children usually outgrow knock knees unless it is caused by a disease. If surgery is needed, the results are usually good.