Posted by When legs bow outward and inward from midline alignment is known as valgus knees. Different factors like Vitamin D deficiency, arthritis in the knee and genetics could be the possible reasons. It is better to consult a doctor at a pain management clinic and follow a proper treatment plan made by him according to your condition.
Symptoms of Valgus Knees
When the knees are joined, there is a clear separation between the ankles in case of valgus knees.
- People may experience difficulties walking as a result of compensating for the lack of a gap between their knees.
- There is usually no noticeable symptom, but a person may experience occasional knee, foot, hip, or ankle pain along with appearance.
Conditions Associated With Of Valgus Knees
Here are conditions which are of valgus knees:
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Weak Hips
Inadequate gluteal/hip strength and overactive hip adductors can prevent proper femur stabilization. It is followed by rotation of the hips and adduction. Due to overactive adductors in comparison to glutes/ hip external rotators the knee gets pulled into valgus collapse.
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Tight Ankles
The tibia/knee cannot adequately migrate forward due to insufficient ankle dorsiflexion mobility and tight lower leg muscles (soleus, gastrocnemius, and anterior tibialis). Depending on the foot alignment, knee valgus results from internal rotation of the tibia (allowing more forward knee migration), resulting in internal rotation of the hips and hip adduction.
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Impaired Quad Function
The VMO (vastus medialis obliquus), if insufficiently strong, will prevent knee stabilization, resulting in inward tracking of the knee.
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Impaired Hamstring Function
Due to weakness of medial hamstrings (semimembranosus and semitendinosus), improper stabilization of knees occurs. As a result, some displacement of the medial knee occurs similar to what occurs when VMO (vastus medialis obliquus) function is impaired, but on the opposite side of the joint.
Diagnosis of Valgus knees
To determine the severity of valgus knee, your doctor will examine his or her ankles, legs, and knees. Moreover, they will measure the distance between your ankle bones. People suffering from valgus knees with a greater distance between their ankles are considered to have a more severe case of this condition.
A child with valgus knees younger than 7 may be diagnosed with valgus knees based on the following factors:
- Symmetry and length of the legs
- Weighing and calculating the body mass index (BMI)
- A child’s knee position when extending and rotating his or her legs
- Pattern of walking
X-ray is the best way to diagnose the valgus knees.
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Valgus Test
With one hand, your doctor holds your knee joint, and with the other, your ankle joint, while your leg is moved sideways. Performing a valgus and varus stress test is a quick, simple initial step that can assist your healthcare provider in finding whether your knee or elbow ligaments have been injured. As your provider diagnoses and treats your injury, they will guide what comes next.
See a GP if:
Never hesitate to consult a doctor when your child or you believe that you have valgus knees and have the following symptoms:
- Standing with the knees together, there is more than eight centimeters of space between the ankles
- There is swelling, pain, stiffness, or warmth in one or both knees
- The condition affects only one leg or the legs differ in length
- It appears that the problem is escalating
- You have a child who is underweight for their age
- It is difficult for you or them to walk because they are limping
- You became aware of it as an adult
How Are Valgus Knees Treated?
Kids are more likely to suffer from valgus knees, so here is a treatment present especially for children.
- The majority of children who have valgus knees as a result of normal growth and development do not require treatment.As the child grows, this usually corrects itself.
- Knock knees that are becoming more severe or that are becoming worse on one side may require treatment.Historically, braces and shoe inserts were used to correct valgus knees in children. As a result, they are no longer in use since they were found to be ineffective.
- In rare cases, doctors may suggest surgery to a child after the age of 10 if they suffer from symptoms such as pain or difficulty walking.
- Adding vitamin D and calcium to the diet is usually recommended to treat valgus knees caused by rickets.
- A specialist may be necessary for some children who have Rickets. An endocrinologist (a physician who specializes in endocrine disorders) may need to treat Rickets caused by a genetic condition.
Surgery
Surgerys is not typically the first treatment choice for genu valgum. Surgery is usually reserved for severe valgus knees and cases where stretching, exercise, and weight loss do not relieve pain.
- A surgeon inserts a small metal piece into the knee.
- Metal plates assist in the growth of bones in the correct direction.
- The metal plate is removed once the bone has been aligned correctly.
- Patients should be aware that some surgical procedures can be quite costly depending on the type of procedure, the type of insurance, and whether or not the patient has medical insurance.
Summary
When you find that your child is at risk of developing valgus knee then it’s time to take urgent action. Consult a doctor and follow the steps he assigns you. When you have injured your knee or elbow, you should see your physician or go to the emergency room right away, especially if you are unable to move or use them.
Pain clinic Fort Worth had a good record to deal with such cases, so never hesitate to book an appointment.