Fact Check: Can exercises correct the gap between the knees?

An Instagram reel claims that exercises can correct the gap between the knees. The claim is FALSE.

Claim 

In an Instagram reel it is claimed that exercises can correct the gap between the knees. In the reel by gautambatrachiropractic it is said, "Those who have less gap between the knees, hear a cut cut sound while walking, have difficulty climbing stairs, and also have difficulty while walking, for them today I will tell you an exercise that can give you relief.

For that you have to take a towel roll like this, and then you have to keep your leg on the bed like this and place the towel roll in between, and then you have to give pressure towards the front. You have to do this stretch 10 times, 10-10 repetitions, and you have to do 10-10 repetitions two times in a day. And you have to do this with both legs.

In the second exercise, you have to keep your leg straight on the bed like this. In this you should not bend the knee. When you bend it, the speed will go away. So you have to keep the leg completely straight and pull the toes towards yourself.You have to hold this position for 10 seconds, and you have to do 10 sets of this, and you have to do this with both legs."

The claim can be accessed here

Fact Check

The claim is FALSE. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim that exercises can correct the gap between the knees.

What Is the Gap in Joints?

The gap between the knees is a condition that may occur naturally or due to factors such as genetics, injury, or conditions like rickets or arthritis. The "gap" in joints in the context of genu valgum (knocked knees), refers to the abnormal alignment where the knees angle inward, creating a noticeable space between the ankles when standing with the knees together. This deformity typically occurs in childhood, beginning around the age of 2, with the condition most prominent between ages 3 to 4. 

Can exercises correct the gap between the knees?

There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus that exercises alone can correct the skeletal misalignment. However, they can play a role in improving knee pain management which may help reduce discomfort and prevent further damage.

Knee pain management involves various strategies. According to the study by Vicky Duong et. al., first-line management for knee pain should focus on conservative approaches, including structured exercise, patient education, and self-management strategies

Studies have also explored the role of exercise in managing knee pain. A review by Allyn M. Susko et. al. provides consistent evidence that exercise is an effective intervention for alleviating knee pain.

Treatment for knock knees, as discussed by Madhish Patel et. al., typically includes observation for mild cases or children under 6 years with a tibiofemoral angle <15 degrees. More severe cases may require guided growth, osteotomies for adults, or medical management for deformities related to metabolic disorders.

While exercises may not be able to correct the skeletal alignment, they may help reduce pain and improve function in individuals with knock knees. 

Dr. Prasad Dakshinamoorthy, Robotic Arthroplasty and Arthroscopy, Consultant – Orthopaedics, SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai in a conversation with The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team said, "Exercises cannot correct a structural gap between the knees, commonly referred to as bow legs (genu varum) or knock knees (genu valgum), when it is caused by the underlying alignment of the bones. The distance between the knees or the ankles is primarily determined by the shape and alignment of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and the knee joint itself. Because this alignment is related to bone structure, exercise alone cannot change the position or shape of these bones.

Many people believe that targeted workouts or stretching routines can bring the knees closer together or eliminate the gap. However, from an orthopedic perspective, exercises mainly help strengthen the surrounding muscles, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles. While this can improve joint stability, posture, and overall knee function, it does not alter the skeletal alignment responsible for the gap.

In children, mild bowing or knock knees may sometimes correct naturally as the bones grow and develop. However, in adolescents and adults, once the bones have matured, the alignment is generally permanent unless treated medically. In cases where the gap is severe and leads to pain, abnormal gait, or joint problems, doctors may consider orthopaedic interventions such as braces in growing children or corrective surgery in adults.

It is also important to understand that not every gap between the knees is abnormal. In many individuals, a small degree of variation in leg alignment is completely normal and does not require treatment unless it causes symptoms or functional limitations.

Therefore, while regular exercise is beneficial for maintaining muscle strength, mobility, and joint health, it cannot correct or eliminate a structural gap between the knees. Anyone concerned about leg alignment should consult an orthopedic specialist for proper evaluation and guidance rather than relying on exercise-based claims circulating online."

Dr. Prakash Ayyadurai, Consultant, Orthopedics, Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine, Rela Hospital, Chennai further added, "Strengthening exercises can help improve muscle strength, balance, joint stability, and overall knee function, which are important for maintaining healthy joints. However, these exercises do not change the shape or alignment of the bones, which primarily determines the gap between the knees.

When the gap between the knees is due to the natural alignment of the leg bones, exercises alone are generally not able to correct it. The distance between the knees is largely influenced by the structure and positioning of the femur and tibia, and this underlying alignment cannot be altered through workouts.

If the gap between the knees is noticeable, painful, or causes difficulty while walking, it is advisable to seek evaluation from an orthopedic specialist. Depending on the cause and severity, management may involve observation during growth in children, bracing in certain cases, or corrective surgery in adults when medically indicated."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that exercises can correct the gap between the knees is FALSE. While exercise can help alleviate knee pain but it cannot fully correct skeletal misalignment. Knock Knees is a structural condition that often requires medical intervention, such as bracing, physical therapy, or in more severe cases, surgery.

Hence, the claim is FALSE.