How to Treat Knock Knees

It is important to realize that a degree of knock knee is normal in young children. Knock knee is the common term for a condition where the knees touch when the child is standing, but her ankles are still apart. This is most apparent when the child is 2 to 3 -- but it usually corrects itself around age 5. Occasionally there may be a more serious underlying cause and treatment will be necessary.

• 1

  Take notice of the length of the gap between the child's ankles. If this is less than 4 inches, active treatment is not usually ordered. Notice if one knee seems more "knocked" than the other -- meaning it's more angled inward. Take regular photographs to assess whether the condition spontaneously recovers.

• 2

  Take the child to a physician if the gap between his ankles is more than 4 inches when he is standing. Consult the physician if no spontaneous recovery is obvious, or if the condition appears after the age of 6. Also take the child to a specialist if the condition follows an accident where the tibia was damaged. Other serious conditions which may occasionally be responsible for knock knees include ostomyelitis or rickets.

• 3

  Use a night brace if this is endorsed by the specialist -- as it sometimes is in more severe cases. Use these as directed. Orthopediac shoes may also be recommended. Ensure these are worn accordingly. Most treatment will not be recommended in children under the age of 5.

• 4

  Discuss the possibility of surgery with the specialist in more serious cases. This may be used when other treatment is not effective, and the child's acivities are restricted because of the condidtion.