Does paediatric physiotherapy treat knock knees?

Knock knees, also called genu valgum, describe knees that move towards each other when the legs are straight. In many children, leg alignment changes as they grow. A physiotherapist can look at walking, running, foot position, hip control, flexibility and muscle coordination rather than judging the knee angle alone. Treatment may help a child use the legs more comfortably and confidently. Exercises do not directly remodel a fixed bone alignment, so the plan depends on age, symptoms, development and the underlying cause.

Arrange an assessment if pain, tiring, repeated trips or difficulty with sport is affecting your child. Sessions may include play-based strengthening for the hips and legs, balance practice, movement coaching and advice about footwear or activity. Follow the home programme gently and consistently, and stop an exercise that causes sharp or increasing pain. Keep track of when symptoms occur, such as after running or at the end of the day, so the clinician can refine the plan.

Seek prompt medical assessment if the change is rapidly worsening, affects one leg much more than the other, causes significant pain, swelling, limping, weakness or fever, or follows an injury. A child who cannot bear weight needs urgent evaluation. These features can point to a problem that needs more than exercise-based care.

Ask whether the alignment fits your child’s stage of growth, whether both legs are developing similarly, what activities should be modified, and which signs would justify imaging or referral to a paediatric orthopaedic specialist.