Knock Knees is often a normal variation of leg appearance in the toddler, preschooler, and early school age child. The legs turn inward, causing the knees to appear as if they are touching while the ankles remain apart. Genu valgum will look most severe at around age 3 and usually resolves on its own by age 8.
While standing, the child’s knees will touch or be closer together than the ankles which are further apart.
X-rays or other imaging studies are not required in order to diagnosis physiologic genu valgum.
We do not recommend special braces, shoes, or other orthotic devices. These have not been found to improve or speed up the resolution of knock-knees. Time and normal growth and development is the only treatment for genu valgum.
The majority of children with genu valgum resolve on their own but if the knock-knees increase in severity or does not improve by age 10, then further evaluation and testing may be warranted.
MUSC Children's Health pediatric orthopedics program is ranked No. 29 nationally in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings. This recognition reflects our leadership in providing advanced, family-centered care for children with orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
