Genu valgum - do I need treatment?

Posted , 1 user is following.

Hi, I would appreciate if any orthopedic surgeons or anyone knowledgeable in this matter could give me a second opinion:

History:

I'm a 31-year-old male of east-Mediterranean descent.

Completely healthy, no medications/allergies, never had alcohol.

Never been seriously ill. Do not smoke, eat fairly healthy foods but regular sweets.

Have always been slightly overweight (varying between 5-15 kg) since childhood.

Family history of joint disease such as: joint pain and deformity (hip joints) in relatives, direct family (siblings and parent) with multiple herniated discs (neck and lumbar).

I have chronic muscular neck pain from sitting, working with screens and working a profession that is very taxing on neck and shoulders.

Chief complaint:

I noticed growing up that I developed genu valgum/knock knees during teenage years, but never had problems and didn't think any of it. I estimate approximately 5 cm distance between ankles when I force my knees together. It is also very visible when standing both with and without pants. This bothers me slightly.

I also noticed that I subconsciously started to compensate for my misalignment by only standing on the outside of my soles and rotating my knees outward. I do this till this day, even when I sit. I never stand/sit with my feet and knees straight or on my entire soles as it is very uncomfortable.

In the last 5 or so years, I've been starting to feel pressure/strain/mild pain on the inside and backside of my knees, especially when standing extended periods of time or exerting my knees in certain angles.

I don't have major issues now, and I believe the discomfort I have can improve with exercise and getting into better shape.

I am however worried long-term of joint degeneration and possible need of joint replacement. These I want to avoid.

Based on the above history, could anyone estimate my long-term risk of joint degeneration of any kind and need of extensive treatment such as joint replacement?

Would anyone recommend corrective surgery now for prevention?

I am considering it, but want to weigh the risk of degeneration against possibly losing function from major surgery.

Thanks in advance.

0 likes, 0 replies

0 Replies

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.