Forefoot Varus – What is it and how to fix it?

Forefoot Varus is a structural deformity in the foot. Here, the forefoot sits at an inverted angle when compared to the heel. In this condition, the bones on the inner part the forefoot sit higher than the bones those on the outside.

This causes the foot to compensate by over-pronating during load bearing activities.

The condition can cause a lot of damage to the body, especially at the ankle, knees, hips and back. Here we will discuss the causes of this condition and how we can fix it.

Forefoot varus is often misdiagnosed. I’m going to discuss how you can properly diagnose your condition and also what you should be doing about it.

Foot Tripod

Causes Of Forefoot Varus

Forefoot Varus is caused due to 2 main factors

  1. Birth Defects – One of the main causes of this deformity, is defects in structure of the foot during birth. The frequency of this condition is estimated to be around 1-3 for every 1000 live births. It is more commonly found in boys. (Source – Monios, Alexandros. (2016). Forefoot Varus (FV) in Children. International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences (IJEAS). 3. 102- 104). As the child grows older, the angling of the forefoot gradually decreases, until it is completely self-corrected by age three. If the deformity is not corrected by then, medical aid should be sought.
  2. Foot Trauma/Injury To The Foot – The second main cause of this condition is an injury to the foot, causing misalignment of the bones.

Causes of Forefoot Supinatus

  1. Weakness in the muscles around the arches and soft tissue – The main cause of forefoot supinatus is weakness in the muscles of the foot and other soft tissue limitations – mainly around the arch.

Problems Associated With Forefoot Varus As Well As Forefoot Supinatus

In an ideal situation, the foot rests on the ground in the ‘tripod foot’ position. The tripod position distributes weight evenly between the outer and inner bones of the forefoot and the heel.

This ensures maximum stability of the foot while standing, walking and running.

For those with forefoot varus/supinatus, the foot tripod position is achieved by ‘compensation’ of the inner forefoot. This is because in the uncompensated position (as shown in the diagram below) the foot has only two points of contact with the ground, making it highly unstable.

Foot Tripod Vs, Uncompensated Forefoot Varus Vs. Compensated Forefoot Varus

Thus the inner forefoot has to travel a longer distance in order to achieve the stable tripod position. Which can compromise the alignment of the ankle, knees, hips and back causing the following problems:

  1. Instability during running or walking
  2. Joint pain in the ankles, knees, hips and back
  3. Plantar Fasciitis
  4. Bunion Formation
  5. Reduced shock absorption while running or walking

What Forefoot Varus Means For Runners And Athletes

Forefoot Varus basically increases the time, the foot stays on the ground trying to achieve stability. In other words, the foot stays on the ground longer in a less stable position.

It also means less shock absorption for the joints – thus increasing injury levels all round.

Do You Really Have Forefoot Varus? – The Difference Between Forefoot Varus and Forefoot Supinatus

Forefoot varus is often falsely confused with forefoot supinatus. This error often prevents athletes and runners from correcting their problem. Which in turn leads to problems further down in time.

The main differences between the two conditions are:

  1. Forefoot supinatus is acquired over time due to weak arches and can be reversed with exercise.  Forefoot Varus on the other-hand, is congenital – i.e. present from birth. In short – forefoot supinatus is acquired, while forefoot varus is inherited.
  2. Forefoot supinatus can be reversed through a consistent exercise routine. The muscles in the arches of the foot play a big role in recovery. Hence, building the arches through conservative treatment can help reverse the condition. Forefoot varus on the other hand does not commonly respond well to conservative treatment and might require surgery in extreme cases. Although, early identification at child borth drastically increases the chances of correction.

How To Diagnose Forefoot Varus And Forefoot Supinatus -Which One Do You Actually Have?

Diagnosing these two conditions is critical in identifying the underlying problem with the feet. The only difference in identification is one simple step.

Diagnosing forefoot varus is a simple procedure.

Bend your knee over a chair and apply force to the forefoot at the base joint of the 4th and 5th toes. While applying force to this area, align the forefoot with the heel.

If the inner portion of the forefoot (at the base of the big toe) is higher than the alignment of the forefoot and the heel, forefoot varus is present.

The next step is critical in order to identify whether the condition is rigid or flexible (forefoot supinatus).

While keeping pressure on the foot in this position, apply pressure to the crown of the metatarsal in the opposite direction. If this position is fixed i.e. the forefoot position does not level-out with the heel, then it is a true/rigid forefoot varus.

Diagnosing forefoot supinatus involves the same steps as those of diagnosing forefoot varus.

The exception in the procedure being the final step.

In the final step: If the forefoot sits on the same plane as the heel when pressure is applied to the metatarsal, then the varus is flexible. And forefoot supinatus is identified as the problem.

Forefoot Varus Treatment

Before trying to treat forefoot varus, it is best to determine whether the cause of overpronation is from forefoot supinatus or not.

Treatment of forefoot varus differs on the severity of the case and how early it is decteced.

Treatment is most effective when detected early.

There are teo types of treatment – maintenance and surgical.

It is important to note that conservative treatment can almost always be sought before surgical intervention.

Maintenance treatment involves the use of a cast, and prefessional medical supervision.

Foot orthotics can also be used to aid in the maintenance of  a neutral foot tripod. A regular orthotic for flat feet can be used in order to stop overpronation.

Alternatively, your podiatrist can prvide a custom orthotic.

Surgical treatment involves the correction of soft tissue and bones in the area.

Forefoot Supinatus Treatment

Forefoot supinatus treatment is simple and straightforward. There are mostly 2 forms of treatment

  1. Using Orthotics – Orthotics for forefoot varus are the same as those for forefoot supinatus. It is a wedge shaped pad that is placed under the forefoot. This levels out the the angling in the forefoot thus reducing risk of injury.
  2. Arch Strengthening Exercises – The arch strengthening exercises listed below are great for forefoot supinatus correction.

Exercises For Flexible Forefoot Varus (Forefoot Supinatus)

It is important to note that exercises only correct flexible forefoot varus, more commonly known as forefoot supinatus. Forefoot supinatus is far more common than forefoot varus.

The majority of you who read this article will more than likely be experiencing forefoot supinatus. That is why I have listed the best exercise to correct this condition below.

Also, a rigid forefoot varus would mean that the bones are inhibiting movement as opposed to muscles and soft tissue. Hence, corrective exercises will likely not work as well as treatment measures listed above.

Arch Building Exercise For Flexible Forefoot Varus (Forefoot Supinatus)

The aim is to strengthen the muscles of the arch and other soft tissue limitations.

Strong arch muscles will reduce pronation over time by bringing the base of the big toe toward the ground.

To perform this exercise place the foot firmly on the ground. Invert (create an angle on the inside) the heel and then press the toe down. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then let the foot rest in a relaxed position for 3 seconds.

Repeat this process for 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

To progress on this exercise, continue to increase the reps and sets. Once you are able to comfortably perform the exercise for a certain rep range, increase the repetitions by one.

Check out my article on how to fix flat feet for more arch strengthening exercises.

1 thought on “Forefoot Varus”

  1. how do I find someone like you to help and guide me. I have undergone serious surgery(osteotomies of four toes with tenotomies) and have been told I need toes fused. all this has left me with a good deal of pain, and no cure! when I read about my condition, it seems most of it is something I have been born with, but I still need help to keep walking at 76. I was forced to drop out of my hiking club, which has negatively effected my health and well-being. I am looking for someone who has knowledge and can apply it. as I have seen MANY doctors, I am wondering if you know of anyone in my area SE Wisconsin, who might be a help, as you are. Pat

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