exercises for knock knees

[physio99]

hi everyone,
Could anyone recommend a few exercises for knock knees? Presently iam giving quadraceps and abductor strengthening to the six year old boy with the intermalleolar distance of 2.1 inches.Should i advise orthotics or corrected footwear at this point?

[estherderu]

dear physio99,
In my opinion giving normal ( adult ) exercises to a 6 yr old is not functional.
To answer you question.... how are his feet... do they need inlay´s? is he hypermobile? is he generalised hypermobile? does de knock knee still exist when he jumps or only when he carries weight?
Check the growth charts for joints, the smaller child has O-knees 1st, later X and later they straighten again.
Try using games to exercise him is the least you can do if you feel he really needs therapy.
kind regards
esther

[physio99]

hello,
Thanks for your reply. The child has learning disability and has generalised hypermobility. His knock knees are clearly visible when he jumps and tries to run.

[estherderu]

dear colleague,
In that case I would make sure he wears (preferably) ankle- high boots with a stiff comfort (heel) to prevent his calcaneus from tilting. if this is not possible ... an inlay ( often calcaneus cup) might be a necessary. By giving him a stable base he might not stumble as much and it should help him. I have seen many children with hypermobile joints do a lot better with good boots.These kids als do well in water- they love it and you can use it to strenghten him. Get hij to swim if possible.
kind regards
esther de ru

[physio99]

hello colleague,
thank you for your valuable advice.