title: Genu Valgum and Flat Feet in Children With Healthy and Excessive Body Weight.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the relationship between obesity, genu valgum, and flat feet in children, and find practical implications for therapeutic interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 1364 children aged 3-7 years took part in the research. Their body mass index was calculated and their weight status described. Participants' knee alignment was assessed by measuring the intermalleolar distance in the standing position with the knees in contact. The height of the longitudinal arch of each foot was measured using Clarke's angle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased with age. Reduction of intermalleolar distance and increased longitudinal arch of the foot, characteristic of typical growth and development, were observed. Genu valgum was more common in children who were overweight. Significant correlations among body mass index, intermalleolar distance, and Clarke's angle (P < .05) were also discovered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Children who are overweight or demonstrate obesity are more likely to develop genu valgum and flat feet.
authors.affiliation: Section of Physical Education (Dr Jankowicz-Szymanska), Institute of Health Sciences, State Higher Vocational School, Tarnow, Poland; and Section of Kinesitherapy (Dr Mikolajczyk), Department of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jankowicz-Szymanska
authors.forename: Edyta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mikolajczyk
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005413:Flatfoot / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005528:Foot / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D056304:Genu Valgum / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence