What is a common characteristic of 'genu valgum'?

Genu valgum, commonly referred to as "knock knees," is characterized by the knees bending inward so that they touch or come close together when the legs are straightened. This condition results in a misalignment of the knees, where the lower legs angle outward.

When observing someone with genu valgum, you would notice that the knees appear closer together, and often the space between the ankles is wider. This can lead to altered mechanics during movement and can sometimes result in discomfort or additional stress on the hips and ankles.

In contrast, the other characteristics described in the options differ from genu valgum: outward bowing of the knees is termed genu varum; knees in alignment would be considered normal knee alignment; and straight legs without any bending would indicate a healthy and typical posture. Recognizing the specifics of genu valgum is important for identifying potential concerns related to gait and overall lower limb alignment.