Forefoot Varus

Forefoot varus is an osseous problem of the foot in which the forefoot is inverted when the rearfoot is vertical or in its neutral position. This means that the medial side or inside of the forefoot is off the ground when the rearfoot is vertical. An important part of the definition of forefoot varus is that it is osseous or bony. There is a condition that looks similar, called forefoot supinatus, which is a soft tissue contracture as opposed to being a bony problem. The distinction between the two is crucial.

In order for a foot with forefoot varus to get flat on the ground, the rearfoot has to overpronate or roll inwards at the ankle to bring it down to the ground. As this is bony, it is not correctable, whereas a forefoot supinatus being a soft tissue problem, it is correctable.

The consequences of a forefoot varus are the compensation that occur due to changes in the alignment of the foot, such a posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, plantar fasciitis, and patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The treatment of forefoot varus is to use a foot orthoses with an elevation under the medial side of the forefoot to bring the ground up to the foot so that it does not need to overpronate to get the forefoot down to the ground.