Causes and Powerful Treatments of Valgus Knee

A lower leg deformity known as “knock knee” or valgus knee occurs when the knee joint deviates outward from the midline of the body. When the valgus angle (Q Angle) is 10° or greater, this condition is met. Anatomical changes such as soft tissue contraction or elongation and bone tissue remodeling cause this deformity.

What is Valgus Knee?

Genu varum is another name for the condition known as valgus knee. It occurs when your femur, the big bone in your thigh, does not line up with your tibia, the larger bone in your shin, which turns inward. Your knees turn outward as a result. Some people get knock-kneed from valgus knee, which is the opposite of varus knee. It occurs when the tibia rotates outward relative to the femur.

Tibiofemoral alignment is the relationship between the positions of your tibia and femur. The two bones should ideally align 180 degrees. Years may pass before you notice any symptoms if they are only a few degrees off. The most obvious sign of valgus knee is being bow legged. Adults may experience some pain on the inside of the knee, while young children may not experience any symptoms. If left untreated, valgus knee can eventually cause joint pain, particularly when walking, as well as abnormal wear and tear on the knee’s cartilage, which can result in osteoarthritis. 

What Causes Valgus Knee?

A common condition in newborns is valgus knee. Many of their bones have not yet moved into their permanent positions, and their knee joints are still growing. However, rickets, a condition linked to low vitamin D levels that results in soft bones, can cause valgus knee in some young children. Both the cause and the effect of valgus knee in adults can be attributed to osteoarthritis. Your leg may bend outward if the cartilage on the inside of your knee joint deteriorates. Additionally, you run the risk of causing more knee damage the longer your tibiofemoral alignment is off.

Valgus Knee can also be caused by:  

• Genetics: The development of valgus knee may be significantly influenced by genetic predisposition. A person may be more likely to get this condition themselves if it runs in their family.
• Muscle Imbalances: Knee valgus may be caused by weakness or imbalances in the muscles surrounding the hip, thigh, and lower leg. For optimal knee alignment, the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip abductors are especially crucial.
• Joint Structure: Changes in the alignment and shape of the bones surrounding the hip and knee joints can cause knee valgus and change mechanics.
• Foot Pronation: Excessive inward rolling of the feet, or overpronation, can throw off the lower limb alignment and result in knee valgus.

Effect of Valgus Deformity

This includes joint stiffness, knee pain, a limp or unsteadiness in gait, and, over time, pain in the ankles, feet, or hips due to the extra strain on ligaments and muscles. People with Valgus deformity may also have a leg length discrepancy, which emphasizes a limp or unsteadiness when walking. The earlier you seek treatment, the better your chances are of improving and reducing your pain. Additionally, putting more pressure on your knee increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life, so it’s best to talk to pain management in fort worth about your options as soon as possible if you have a malalignment of the knee and are experiencing pain. 

Conservative Management

For children under the age of eight, an orthosis, such as a brace or splint, has been recommended to aid in bone growth; however, there is no proof that this approach is effective. To relieve the pain and complications brought on by severe or inherited valgus knee, surgery might be necessary. Total knee replacement (TKR) and lower femur adjustments are among the surgical options.

Physiotherapy Management

Knee realignment and stability can be achieved with exercise. The therapist suggests exercises designed to strengthen the leg, hip, and thigh muscles based on the deformity and its underlying cause. 

Single-Leg Band Stretches

• Step 1: Stand parallel to the resistance band, which is securely fastened to a stable object at ankle height. 
• Step 2: Wrap the band around the ankle that is farther away from the anchoring object. 
• Step 3: Swing your leg out to the side to stretch the resistance band. Hold the position for two seconds, then carefully return to a neutral position. 

Leaning Ankle Band Stretches

• Step 1: Position yourself at the end of the resistance band, perpendicular to the anchor, and secure it to a sturdy object at knee height.
• Step 2: Step your other foot away until your feet are more than hip-width apart, then wrap the band around the closer ankle.
• Step 3: Flex the knee not connected to the resistance band while leaning away from it. 
• Make sure both feet are planted firmly. The band ought to tug on the inside of your ankle.
• Step 4: Lean as far as you can, then stand back up after holding the position for two seconds. This exercise strengthens the ankles and stretches the hip flexor muscles.

Exercise Band Squats

• Step 1: Place a circular exercise band around your thighs and stand with your feet hip-width apart. You shouldn’t have any problems standing with your feet apart, but the band should be snug.
• Step 2: Keep your thighs apart and bend your knees as you slowly lower yourself into a squat. Your hips and thighs ought to be burning. Maintain a straight back.
• Step 3: Hold the squat for several seconds, then return to standing. Squats help strengthen your quads and hamstrings, while adding the exercise band engages your hip flexors.

Conclusion 

Remember that most kids outgrow valgus knee and develop a healthy tibiofemoral alignment if your baby seems to have it. However, get in touch with your pediatrician if they don’t seem to grow out of it. Discussing treatment options with the best doctor of plano pain clinic as soon as possible is crucial for adults with valgus knee. Your knee will sustain less damage if you receive a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.