How effective is paediatric physiotherapy for knock knees?

Knock knees make the knees angle inward when the child stands or walks. Alignment can change during growth, and the appearance alone does not show whether treatment is needed. A physiotherapist assesses the child’s walking pattern, hip and leg control, foot position, balance, strength, and any pain or activity limits.

Exercises may improve control of the hips, knees, and ankles during movement. Practice with stairs, running, jumping, or balance can help a child use the legs more confidently. These benefits are different from changing the angle of a bone. If the alignment is marked, painful, uneven, or worsening, an orthopaedic assessment is needed alongside therapy.

Make the prescribed exercises part of a short, regular routine and use play to keep practice age appropriate. Notice whether the child develops pain, fatigue, or avoidance during activities, and share those observations at review. Comfortable footwear and a safe surface can help the child practise balance and stepping skills.

Do not use braces, inserts, or online exercises without checking whether they match the child’s cause and foot or leg pattern. A clinician may monitor growth and alignment over time, while physiotherapy addresses the movement problems that are present now.

Arrange a clinical review if the knees are painful, one side looks different, the child limps, trips frequently, tires quickly, or cannot join usual play. Seek prompt care after an injury causing swelling or inability to bear weight. New fever with a hot, swollen joint also needs urgent assessment.

Is this alignment expected for my child’s growth stage? Does the movement assessment show a strength or control problem? Can therapy change function even if the bone angle stays the same? Should the child use any brace or insert? What symptoms or changes should bring the next review forward?