Knock Knees & Bow Legs

We all walk in a way which is uniquely characteristic. People with knock knees (genu valgum) have knees which are closer together than their ankles. They walk with their feet wide apart so that their knees do not knock together.

People with bow legs (genu varum) have knees which are wider apart than their ankles. They are prone to kicking the inside of one shin with the heel of the other foot.

Symptoms: People with knock knees as well as those with bow legs are prone to leg and foot soreness. The muscles which control the major movements of the feet originate within the legs. These muscles can become quickly fatigued as they have to work harder to cope with the extra demands that bow legs / knock knees have on the legs. For children, such leg pain is mistakenly thought to be growing pains.

Treatment: Our podiatrist will assess and determine the underlying causes of your pain and create an appropriate treatment plan which may include exercises, orthotic therapy and a change of footwear to help you over come these leg alignments.