SEATTLE — As children grow, their bones and joints continue to develop. Treating any injuries or conditions early can help them maintain active lives.
Providence Swedish patient Claire Banasky learned she had a condition called knocked knees after visiting pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Laurel Saliman.
“My mom had always noticed that my feet kind of turned in,” Banasky said. “She could tell that I was walking funny, but I hadn’t noticed much before.”
With knocked knees, there's a gap between your ankles when you stand with your knees together. It’s important to talk with your primary care provider if you notice this in your child to avoid problems later.
“It can certainly contribute to wear and tear arthritis on the outer aspects of the knees,” Dr. Saliman said. “If you have patellar dislocation or instability, it can kind of make that worse. And it can sometimes cause self-esteem issues.”
Surgery may be necessary to treat knocked knees, and Banasky had two surgeries when she was 11 and 12 to correct her condition.
“It was actually fairly smooth,” she said. “The surgical team was super helpful and incredible to work with, and so was Dr. Saliman.”
Now, years after surgery, Banasky is on the rowing team at the University of Portland.
“I think by having straighter alignment, it really helps you move through the world,” Dr. Saliman said.
Dr. Saliman suggests talking with your pediatrician if you notice any issues and getting an evaluation if there are concerns about walking or how a child’s legs look after the age of 8.
Learn more about orthopedic care and how Swedish can help on the Providence Swedish website.
Sponsored by Providence Swedish.
Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.