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Crooked legs trying to build muscle
Hi I have crooked legs since birth. My toes and knees lean inward, and my shins sit a bit outward. It's not very severe so when I was teenager I was able to force myself to walk straight. Now finally I am having a lot of knee pain from years of forcing my legs to fall straight I think.
My question: I tried leg press machine at gym with my legs and feet "straight" and it caused my knees to swell because it is not my true alignment I think. Do I need to do the leg press with my true alignment- that is, position my feet inward and "crooked" on the base of the machine and pump according to my own alignment? Thanks for response
Answers (7)
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Thank you for your detailed message. Based on what you’ve described, it sounds like you may have a congenital or developmental condition often referred to as tibial torsion (outward rotation of the shin bones) combined with femoral anteversion (inward rotation of the thigh bones), which has led to your unique alignment over time.
You mentioned you’ve been forcing yourself to maintain a “straight” alignment, which is likely outside your natural anatomical range. Doing this consistently, especially under load (like during leg press or walking with altered posture) could’ve caused joint stress, especially at the knees, and can absolutely lead to pain or swelling over time.
Next Steps
Consult a Physiotherapist in Person: A full biomechanical assessment can help determine the exact degree of your rotational differences and whether corrective work or custom orthotics might help reduce joint strain.
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Position your feet and legs on the leg press in a way that reflects your true anatomical alignment. This might mean that your feet appear slightly turned inward or “crooked” on the footplate. That’s okay.. your body has adapted that way over years.
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Hi
I would suggest you to start with the basic stretching and strengthening exercises for knee muscles before resuming to the gym exercises.
Once your knee pain and swelling is gone. Then you can start with leg presses, squatting , lunges etc.
Impact of leg presses on your knee can only told after examination. After physical examination only we can know the Degree of your knock knees and your posture during leg press and other workouts.
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Consult in person with nearby physiotherapist for proper assessment to get proper treatment.
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Dr. Afsa Rafiq (PT)
Physiotherapist
4 yrs exp
Srinagar
Take online consultation for better treatment and diagnosis
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I need to check movements
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Ms. Shefali Gandotra (PT)
Physiotherapist
20 yrs exp
Jammu
You need to visit online so that real position can be assessed
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Dr. Avijit Das (PT)
Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
4 yrs exp
Kolkata
Hi please take an online consultation for best diagnosis and treatment.
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I need to check some clinical movements and to know what the reason is.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.