Page 72 - LIN March-2023 50-84-sent

health & fitness

Genu Valgum

(knock knees)
and

How To Correct It

by Paula Allia - PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS
enu valgum is a medical diagnosis above to be focused on. Correcting this first will help to align the
for the knee which simply means leg from the ground up.
Gknock knees. This is a condition Genu valgum induces femoral anteversion, tibial lateral
that is recognized with the malalignment of torsion, increase Q angle, lateral dislocation, toe out and subtalar
the leg in which the upper leg bone (femur) pronation. What this means is that the hip turns in then relatively
is further internally rotated and inward the lower bone (tibia) turns out some. This can lead to the arch
(adducted) and the tibia is more externally of the foot dropping (pronation). There can be varied amounts of
rotated out. This position can lead to the these components and depending upon where the changes have
kneecap (patella) not tracking properly when occurred strengthening can be done to correct these abnormal
bending and straightening the knee thus dysfunction. movement patterns.
There are many causes of genu valgum. Problems can start in Having a strong core is very helpful so if there are weaknesses
any one of the joints of the lower extremities. To help to align, in this area (which there usually are) work on core and pelvis
postural alignment should be observed and each mal-aligned control so that the leg exercises have the ability to correct
area should be addressed so that improvements can occur. If not alignment.
addressed early, this position can lead to arthritic changes and pain Here are the muscles that need to be addressed:
can ensue. Hip
When evaluating the knee for genu valgum, the hip and the Tight hip adductors
foot should be evaluated. Certain hip angles can predispose the Tight internal
knee to angle changes but many times, proper exercise can lead to Weak external rotators
improvements to avoid pain and dysfunction. In the hip, weakness Weak abductors
in the external rotators and the abductor muscles, particularly the Knee
posterior portion of the gluteus medius can be present. Also, the Weak VMO
adductor muscles on the inner thigh can be tight and should be Tightness developing around the lateral (outer) knee
stretched. and/or patella tracking problems
The knee itself can be strengthened all around. If there is too Ankle
much external rotation of the tibia the medial hamstring should Weak arch muscles
be strengthened. Also, patella alignment and stretching the tight Overall, exercises can begin by performing 10 reps and building
sections while strengthening the overstretched portions is key. up to 3 sets of 10-15. It is very important to be performing these
Also, the inside most medial quadricep muscle of the thigh, the exercises with the right angles. It is all about the quality first and
vastus medialis (VMO) tends to be weak in this condition. not the quantity.
In the foot, the foot mechanics need to be addressed. First
observe the foot in anatomical position and in gait. If the arch is Here’s To Your Health!
low (more pronated) or excessive pronation occurs in gait being
fitted for orthotics can help align the structures of the foot. This For further information call Fitness Together in downtown Naples
will provide a more stable foot base and allow the corrections at 239.263.9348. We have been in business here for 19 years so give us
a call today!

Fitness Together 335 14 Ave South, Naples, FL 34102 239.263.9348 www.FitnessTogether.com/naples
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72 Life in Naples | March 2023