What Causes My Knees to Bow Inward?
I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 4 inches and weighing 114 pounds, and I don’t take any medications. I’m uncertain whether this platform is suitable for my inquiry, so please advise me if I should remove this post. Lately, I've become aware that my knees tend to angle inward when I'm upright. Occasionally, they even touch when I run. In my research, I primarily encounter information regarding knock knees; however, I don't believe my condition aligns with that diagnosis. Although I'm unable to share an image, it appears that both of my legs have a bulging shape toward the inside. Could this issue stem from weakened hip abductors? Is it possible for exercise to remedy this, or is surgical intervention required?
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 8:30:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're concerned about the inward angling of your knees, a condition that can be related to several factors. From your description, it’s understandable to want to know more about the causes and whether exercise can help.
Main Points:
- Inward angling of the knees, often referred to as "knock knees" (genu valgum), can be influenced by muscle imbalances, biomechanics, or skeletal alignment.
- Strengthening specific muscles around your hips and thighs may help improve your leg alignment.
Explanation:
When your knees bow inward, it can be due to several reasons, including weak hip muscles (abductors), tightness in certain thigh muscles, or how your body is built. These factors can affect your knee alignment and overall leg function. Building strength and improving flexibility in the surrounding muscles may help alleviate some of the problem.
Next Steps:
- Strengthening Exercises: Focus on exercises that strengthen your hip abductors (like side lunges, clamshells, and side leg lifts). This can help stabilize the knee joint.
- Stretching: Incorporate stretching for your quadriceps and hamstrings to relieve tightness, which may aid in improving alignment.
- Regular Activity: Engage in low-impact activities like walking, cycling, or swimming to maintain leg health while being mindful of how your knees feel during these activities.
- Monitor Changes: Keep track of your comfort and knee position as you increase your activity level. If you notice any pain or worsening of symptoms, reevaluation may be necessary.
Important Note:
Since you have expressed uncertainty about your condition, consider seeking an assessment from a physical therapist or healthcare provider specializing in musculoskeletal issues. They can provide tailored exercises and look for underlying causes in detail.
Feel free to reach out for more guidance as you progress!
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