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How Physical Therapy Can Help Manage Knock Knees

Genu valgum, popularly known as knock knees, refers to the incorrect alignment of the knees. It may affect people of all ages but is mostly found in children during their growth years. The imbalance of force placed on knees may lead to pain, joint damage, and higher chances of arthritis. Correction of this deformity becomes important at some point.

Knock knees are characterized by the situation where knees start bending inward and touching against each other, even when an individual is standing with their ankles apart. The condition places excessive force on the outer side of the knee, leading to pain and affecting quality of life. In most cases, this condition is bilateral and affects both legs. However, in some exceptional cases knock knees may affect only one leg.

While the last resort to treat knock knees is surgical intervention, physical therapy is highly beneficial in reversing the condition. Here’s everything to know.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Manage Knock Knees?

An Individualized Treatment Plan

The causes and severity of knock knees may differ from person to person. Physical therapy or physiotherapy provides individual assessment and treatment plans. During treatment, the physiotherapist performs a comprehensive examination to determine underlying causes, range of motion, muscular imbalances, and associated factors.

Based on their findings, they create an individualized treatment plan. This plan addresses your specific needs.

Strengthening Exercises

The treatment for knock knees under physical therapy includes various strengthening exercises around the muscles of the knees and hip joints. These exercises help correct the alignment and stability of the lower limbs.

Physiotherapists prescribe exercises that target the areas like glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, etc. Over time, these movements help reverse your condition, thereby improving the alignment of your knees.

Combination of Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises

The best benefit of opting for physical therapy to treat knock knees is that it combines various forms of exercise to reverse the condition. The professional uses stretching and range of motion exercises to address tight muscles and improve movement.

These exercises target specific muscles like hip abductors, iliotibial band, and calf muscles. The physiotherapist pairs these exercises with stretching that helps lengthen light muscles, reduces imbalance, and improves joint mobility.

Awareness of Body Position

Knock knees may affect balance and proprioception in the body. Physiotherapists implement several balance exercises to improve stability and reduce the risk of falls and other problems.

Exercises such as balance board activities, single-leg standing, and wobble board exercises are great for maintaining balance and a healthy posture. The physiotherapist uses proprioceptive training that includes activities which challenge the ability of the body to perceive and respond to joint position changes.

Gait Training

Physical therapy for knock exercise includes gait training—a crucial component that maintains proper walking patterns with this condition. The professional analyses the gait mechanics of the patient and offers specific instructions to correct abnormalities.

Activities such as foot placement, hip and ankle alignment during walking, stride length, and running are monitored and corrected over time. It not only ensures a smooth walking pattern but also reduces stress on the knee joints and allows better limb alignment.

The Use of Orthotic Devices

Besides exercises, the treatment of knock knees includes orthotic devices to offer additional support, alignment, and cushioning to the knees.

You can buy shoe inserts or custom-made orthotics and use them regularly to improve biomechanics and reduce the impact of knees during weight-bearing activities.

What are the Effective Exercises for Knock Knees under Physical Therapy?

Squats: You will be made to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower your body, taking a sitting position. Keep your back straight and knees behind your toes. Repeat.

Leg Raises: Regular leg raise movement is effective in reversing the appearance of knock knees. Lie on the side and lift the top leg while keeping it straight. This exercise targets hip abductors, resulting in improved alignment.

Side Leg Lifts: Stand and hold to a sturdy surface for balance. Lift one leg to the side and maintain it straight. Lower it back down. Repeat.

Calf Raises: The physiotherapist will ask you to stand on the edge of a step and lift your heels. They will slowly bring them down and raise them again. This exercise also improves calf strength.

Bridges: You will be made to lie on your back with your knees bent. Lift the hips towards the ceiling such that you squeeze your glutes. Return to the original position and repeat.

In addition to physiotherapy and exercises to reverse knock knees, it is vital to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts additional strain on the knees, leading to pain and discomfort. You should eat healthy to maintain overall fitness.

Takeaway

Knock knees are a common health condition that doesn’t always require surgery for correction. Regular sessions of physiotherapy can be of great help in reversing its effects.  

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Knock Knees surgeon in delhi

Looking for a Knock Knees surgeon in Delhi? Knock Knees, or genu valgum, is a condition where the knees angle inward and touch each other while standing. It can affect walking posture, cause joint pain, and lead to long-term orthopedic issues if left untreated. Delhi is home to experienced orthopedic surgeons specializing in corrective procedures for Knock Knees in both children and adults. These experts offer advanced diagnostic evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and minimally invasive surgical solutions to restore proper leg alignment and improve mobility. Book a consultation today with a leading Knock Knees specialist in Delhi for expert care and results.

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Ankylosing Spondylitis: What is it, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain, stiffness, and in severe cases, fusion of the vertebrae. It is a type of arthritis that can significantly impact a person's posture and mobility. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and expert care from an experienced ankylosing spondylitis surgeon in Delhi, many patients can manage symptoms and lead a healthy life.

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of axial spondyloarthritis, meaning it mainly affects the axial skeleton (spine and pelvis). Over time, inflammation can lead to the fusion of spinal vertebrae, resulting in a rigid spine. This fusion can severely limit flexibility and cause a hunched-forward posture. While AS commonly starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, it can affect people of all ages.

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The exact cause of AS remains unknown, but genetics play a major role. A specific gene, HLA-B27, is commonly found in individuals with AS, although having the gene doesn't guarantee the condition will develop. Environmental factors, such as infections, may trigger the onset in genetically susceptible individuals.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Early symptoms can be subtle and often mistaken for common back pain. Typical symptoms include:

Chronic pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning or after rest

Improvement in symptoms with physical activity

Pain in the neck, shoulders, and chest

Fatigue and reduced flexibility

In advanced cases, spinal fusion and stooped posture

In some cases, AS can also affect the eyes, causing inflammation (uveitis), and may impact the lungs and heart.

Diagnosis and When to See a Specialist

Diagnosing AS involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests for inflammatory markers, HLA-B27 testing, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans. If you experience persistent lower back pain and stiffness for more than three months, it’s crucial to consult an ankylosing spondylitis surgeon in Delhi for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for AS, the goal of treatment is to reduce pain, maintain flexibility, and prevent spinal damage.

Non-Surgical Treatments Include:

Medications: NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) are first-line drugs. Biologics like TNF inhibitors and IL-17 blockers are prescribed for severe cases.

Physical therapy: Regular exercise and stretching can improve mobility and posture.

Lifestyle changes: Good posture habits, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight are critical.

Surgical Treatment: Surgery is rarely needed but may be necessary in advanced cases involving spinal deformity or joint damage (such as the hip). A skilled ankylosing spondylitis surgeon in Delhi can perform spinal correction or joint replacement to restore function and quality of life.

Conclusion

Ankylosing spondylitis is a serious condition that requires timely and expert care. With the right diagnosis and treatment, patients can manage symptoms effectively. If you or a loved one is experiencing chronic back stiffness or suspect AS, consult a trusted ankylosing spondylitis surgeon in Delhi for comprehensive evaluation and care.