146 chapter 16
Also have the child do exercises
lying on his back and swinging his
leg outward (to one side). This helps
prevent knock-knee contractures.
The child can also swing her leg
while sitting or lying on a table edge.
Encourage her to swing the leg as far
up and back as possible. Turn it into a
game.
A device like this
helps strengthen the
muscles that straighten
the knee. This way
works better than
a weight tied to the
ankle because the pull
continues even when
the knee is bent.
pulley
Put stones or
pieces of metal in an
old can. Use only as
much weight as will
let the child straighten
her knee completely.
As the leg becomes
stronger, add more
weight.
Movement of the arms. This is done much like the legs:
LYING FACE UP
LYING ON THE SIDE
AND SITTING
Swing the
arm away
from the
body.
Swing the
arm forward
and back.
Swing the
shoulder and
elbow through
their full
range of
motion.
These movements can be done
keeping the hot soaks on the arm.
Encourage the child to move her limb in a rhythmic manner—
perhaps to music. Try to help her forget the pain. If she becomes
interested in something else—a game or the music—this will help
reduce the tightness of her muscles.
Look for ways to do these movements as part of daily activities.
Disabled village Children