#asktheexpert hello doctor my son has knock knees. can it be corrected in Childhood without any exercise. with exercises or or physiotherapy. he is 6 years old. tall and fit

A. Knock knees (genu valgum) in children, where the knees touch while the ankles are apart, can be a common and normal part of development. By age 6, it's important to monitor the condition, but it can often correct itself as the child grows. Here’s a breakdown of what you can consider: ### **1. **Normal Development:** - **Age Factor:** Knock knees are normal in young children and often correct themselves as the child grows. By age 6, it’s still possible for the condition to improve with growth. - **Natural Correction:** Many children outgrow knock knees by the time they are around 7-8 years old. ### **2. **Assessment and Monitoring:** - **Pediatrician Evaluation:** It’s advisable to have a pediatrician or orthopedic specialist evaluate the condition. They can assess the degree of the knock knees and monitor whether it improves with age. - **Regular Check-ups:** Follow-up visits may be necessary to ensure that the condition is improving or to determine if any intervention is needed. ### **3. **Exercise and Physiotherapy:** - **Physical Therapy:** Specific exercises and physiotherapy might be recommended if the condition is severe or if there are concerns about joint alignment or function. - **Strengthening and Stretching:** Exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knees and improve overall alignment can be beneficial. ### **4. **Intervention:** - **When to Consider:** If the knock knees persist or worsen and cause significant functional issues or pain, intervention might be needed. This could include specialized exercises, braces, or in rare cases, surgical options. - **Surgical Correction:** Surgical intervention is typically considered only if the condition does not improve and causes significant issues or is associated with other conditions. ### **5. **Daily Activities and Lifestyle:** - **Encourage Activity:** Encourage regular physical activity and play to support overall development and strength. - **Monitor Growth:** Keep track of your child’s growth and development, and consult healthcare professionals as needed. ### **In Summary:** Knock knees in children, especially around the age of 6, often correct themselves naturally with growth. Regular monitoring by a pediatrician or orthopedic specialist is important to ensure the condition is improving. While exercises and physiotherapy can be helpful in some cases, they are usually not necessary unless advised by a healthcare professional. If the condition is severe or accompanied by pain, seeking professional advice is crucial.