Parents celebrate every step their child takes. But what happens when those steps look awkward or uneven? What if the knees bend inward and touch each other while the ankles remain apart? This may just be a phase for many children, but in some cases, it could indicate a condition called knock knees, or genu valgum.
Knock knees are quite common in growing children, especially between the ages of two and seven. This condition is part of normal physical development. For most children, the legs gradually straighten out as they grow taller and stronger. However, if the condition continues beyond age seven or appears severe, it may need closer examination and medical care.
To raise awareness about this often overlooked condition, the Pink Bones program in collaboration with the ANVKA Foundation, provided free evaluations and treatments to children suffering from bone issues such as knock knees.
Parents often overlook visible deformities like knock knees, believing the child will simply “grow out of it.” In many cases, that is true. But waiting too long can lead to long-term problems with posture, walking, and even joint pain in adulthood.
When a child stands straight and the knees touch while the ankles remain apart, this is a clear sign. While usually harmless in toddlers, persistent knock knees after age seven may signal deeper issues. A 2023 study in Biomedical Human Kinetics notes that factors such as poor nutrition, vitamin D deficiency, and lack of awareness contribute to the high rates of knock knees among schoolchildren in India, particularly in government schools where nutritional deficiencies are more common.
The study also found that children with low calcium and vitamin D levels are more likely to experience bone deformities. Increasingly, cases are linked to rickets and childhood obesity. A modern lifestyle marked by reduced outdoor activity and unhealthy diets is quietly damaging children’s bone health.
Knock knees are treatable, and the sooner intervention begins, the better the results. For mild cases, regular monitoring and simple exercises may be sufficient. In more serious cases, braces or surgery may be recommended to realign the legs. The Pink Bones initiative specifically supports children from underprivileged backgrounds by providing quality diagnosis, physiotherapy, and surgical care at no cost.
The impact of timely intervention extends far beyond bones. When a child walks correctly, runs confidently, and engages fully in school and play, their entire life improves.
If you notice your child’s knees curving inward after age seven, or if they frequently complain of leg pain or difficulty walking, it should not be ignored. A simple visit to a paediatric orthopaedist can make a significant difference. Sometimes, what looks like growing pains is actually a call to action. Addressing it early can lead to a healthier, stronger future.