Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Use emergency services for major trauma, an open wound over a deformity, or a foot that becomes cold, pale, numb, or weak.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical care after an injury if there is severe pain, obvious deformity, rapidly increasing swelling, or an inability to put weight on the leg.
A hot, red, swollen knee with fever or feeling seriously unwell also needs urgent assessment because infection is one possible cause.
These urgent situations are different from stable, painless knock knees, which can usually be discussed at a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if:
Knock knees are getting more noticeable after about age 7
One leg is affected much more than the other
The alignment began suddenly or appeared after an injury
There is ongoing knee, hip, ankle, or foot pain
Walking is difficult, there is a persistent limp, or activity is limited
Growth seems unusually slow or there are other concerns about bone health
An adult develops new or worsening leg alignment
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Knock knees. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.