How to Run With Knock-Knee

Knock-knee is a condition that occurs commonly in children. A child is identified as knock-kneed if his knees turn inward, essentially hitting each other when he walks or stands. This condition can occur as a result of obesity or an underlying bone condition. While Children's Hospital Boston indicates that this condition normally corrects itself by the time the child has reached age five, if it is severe it can become a lifelong concern. For children with knock-knee, physical activity, including running, is performed on an "as-tolerated" basis.

Things You'll Need

• Running shoes
• Knee braces

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a good pair of running shoes for your child. Running shoes can help support the lower extremities and absorb shock. They can also help to alleviate stress placed on the knees while running.

• 2

  Place a basketball-sized rubber ball between your child's legs and have her squeeze the ball as tightly as possible and release. Complete this exercise for five to 10 minutes at a time to help her strengthen her knees. This exercise should be performed daily.

• 3

  Make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist to inquire about wearing knee braces. Knee braces can help to properly align the knees as a child runs. A doctor may also prescribe the use of night knee braces. They serve to hold the knee in a more natural position as a child sleeps.

• 4

  Encourage your child to run as usual. If running is too painful for him, ask him to discontinue it and contact your child's doctor.