Also known as Genu Valgum
ABOUT THE DISEASE
It is a condition where the knees angle in and touch each other so that when a child stands straight, the knees touch but the feet and ankles stay apart. This is due to an inward curve of both femur and tibia. The femur is the large bone in thigh whereas the tibia is the large bone in the lower leg.
CAUSES
This is fairly common in kids upto 2 years of age, that commonly corrects on its own. In some cases this worsens with time. The primary reasons for the same are rickets and obesity. It can also be caused by bone problems, infections, tumors, and injury.
DIAGNOSIS
Is based on physical examination and x-ray of the legs
TREATMENT METHODS
If the cause is treatable, then first that needs to be treated, for eg. Rickets. If the problem continues after age 7, a night brace attached to a shoe is advised.
However later in age, if problem is severe, the only option left is surgery.
You may also like to learn about:
Bowed Tibia
Genu Varum (Bow legs)
Club foot
Rickets
Osteomyelitis
Short height