Knock Knees and Bowed Legs
Knock knees and bowed legs (or genu valgum and genu varum) are common abnormalities at various ages of infancy. Bowed legs are normal from birth through to the age of 3 or 4. Then the knees tend to become knock kneed through to the age of 5 or 6. If they do not resolve in the early years of development however, they dramatically alter the forces acting on the feet.
It is not possible to correct the altered knee angle in adulthood (without major surgery) although orthotics can dramatically reduce excessive force through the knees, ankles and feet. Therefore, treatment and management of such conditions should be undertaken at an early age to minimise the risk of long term problems.
