Knee Valgus causes and prevention

Knee valgus, also known as "knock-knee," is a condition in which the knees angle inward towards each other when standing or walking. This can lead to pain, instability, and a greater risk of knee injuries.

There are several potential causes of knee valgus, including:

Muscular imbalances: Weakness in the muscles on the outside of the hip (i.e. the hip abductors) and the inside of the thigh (i.e. the hip adductors) can cause the knee to angle inward.

Biomechanical issues: A structural problem with the knee, ankle, or foot can cause the knee to angle inward. This can include conditions such as flat feet or overpronation, which can affect the alignment of the knee.

Genetics: Some people are simply born with a tendency towards knee valgus, due to the shape and alignment of their bones.

Overuse injuries: Activities that place a lot of stress on the knees, such as running or jumping, can lead to knee valgus over time.

Obesity: Being overweight or obese can put extra stress on the knees, leading to knee valgus.

If you are experiencing knee valgus, it's important to see a doctor, physical therapist, or corrective exercise specialist to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. Treatment options may include exercises to strengthen the hip abductors and adductors, orthotic inserts to correct any biomechanical issues, and rest and/or changes in activity level to address overuse injuries. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct structural problems.

Preventing knee valgus can be done by engaging in regular exercise to strengthen the muscles around the knee, maintaining a healthy weight, and being mindful of your posture and alignment when standing and walking.

In summary, Knee valgus is a condition in which the knees angle inward, it is caused by muscular imbalances, biomechanical issues, genetics, overuse injuries, and obesity. It's important to see a doctor or physical therapist to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. Engaging in regular exercise to strengthen the muscles around the knee, maintaining a healthy weight, and being mindful of posture and alignment can prevent knee valgus.