Q.Explain the causes of Knock Knee (Genu Valgum) and describe any three corrective measures for it.
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Knock knee (Genu Valgum) is a postural deformity where the knees touch or overlap when the feet are apart, often caused by nutritional deficiencies, obesity, or weak muscles, and can be corrected through exercises, dietary changes, or supportive devices.
Knock knee, medically known as Genu Valgum, is a common postural deformity primarily affecting the lower limbs. In this condition, when an individual stands with their feet together, their knees touch or even overlap, while there is a significant gap between their ankles. This misalignment puts undue stress on the knee joints and can lead to pain, difficulty in walking, and an increased risk of arthritis later in life. Understanding its causes is crucial for prevention, and timely corrective measures can significantly improve quality of life.
Causes of Knock Knee (Genu Valgum)
Several factors can contribute to the development of knock knees:
- Nutritional Deficiencies: A primary cause, especially in growing children, is a lack of essential nutrients like Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. These nutrients are vital for proper bone development and mineralization. Their deficiency can lead to conditions like rickets, where bones soften and bend under the body's weight, resulting in deformities like knock knees.
- Obesity or Overweight: Excessive body weight places increased stress on the knee joints and the developing bones of the legs. This constant pressure can force the knees inward, leading to the valgus deformity.
- Weakness of Muscles and Ligaments: The muscles and ligaments surrounding the knee joint play a crucial role in maintaining its stability and alignment. Weakness in these structures, particularly the abductor muscles of the hip and the medial collateral ligament, can contribute to the inward deviation of the knees.
- Genetic Predisposition: In some cases, there might be a genetic component, meaning individuals may be predisposed to developing knock knees due to inherited bone structure or ligament laxity.
- Early Walking: If a child starts walking too early before their bones and muscles are sufficiently strong, the weight-bearing stress can sometimes lead to the development of knock knees.
- Prolonged Standing or Sitting in Certain Positions: Habits like prolonged standing or sitting with legs crossed or in positions that put inward pressure on the knees can, over time, contribute to the deformity, especially during growth spurts.
- Injury or Trauma: Previous injuries to the knee joint or growth plates in the leg bones can sometimes disrupt normal growth and lead to angular deformities like genu valgum.
Corrective Measures for Knock Knee
Corrective measures for knock knees aim to strengthen the supporting muscles, improve bone alignment, and address underlying nutritional deficiencies. Here are three effective measures:
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Horse Riding Exercise:
This exercise is highly effective in strengthening the adductor muscles of the inner thigh and improving the alignment of the legs.
- Procedure: The individual sits on a chair or a raised platform with their legs spread wide apart, mimicking the posture of riding a horse. They then try to bring their knees closer together against resistance, or simply hold the wide-legged position for an extended period. Alternatively, they can sit on the floor with legs wide apart and try to touch their toes, stretching the inner thigh muscles.
- Benefit: This exercise helps to stretch the tight outer thigh muscles and strengthen the inner thigh muscles, which pulls the knees outward, counteracting the inward deviation.
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Using a Pillow or Pad Between Knees:
This is a simple yet effective method, particularly for children, to encourage proper leg alignment during rest or sleep. …
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