Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)

What Are Knock Knees?

Knock knees — or genu valgum (GEE-noo VAL-gum) — is when a child stands up straight and the knees touch but the ankles are apart. Knock knees often happen as a normal part of growth and development. So, kids toddler to elementary school age often have knock knees. It's rarely serious and the condition usually goes away on its own by the time a child is 7 or 8 years old.