Common Foot Posture Assessed in Non-Weight-Bearing Subtalar Joint Neutral

Question 1

Forefoot Varus - Posture

Answer 1

MT heads are inverted relative to the rearfoot.

Varus of 1 to 8 is considered normal.

Question 2

Forefoot Valgus - Posture

Answer 2

MT heads are everted relative to the rearfoot.

A plantar-flexed first ray will also give the appearance.

Question 3

Rearfoot Varus - Posture

Answer 3

Calcaneus is inverted relative to the long axis of the bisected lower leg and may be related to a varus alignment of the tibia or a calcaneus that doesn’t completely derotate during development.

Question 4

Rearfoot Valgus - Posture

Answer 4

Calcaneus is everted relative to the long axis of the tibia and can be associated with a valgus tibial alignment.
Rarely observed.

Question 5

Forefoot Varus - Compensation

Answer 5

During static weight bearing, abducts and everts resulting in a more planus foot.
During gait, excessive and prolonged pronation as the 1st MT has farther to travel before contacting the ground.

Question 6

Forefoot Valgus - Compensation

Answer 6

During static weight bearing, midfoot supinates as the 1st MT contact the ground.
During gait, 1st MT strikes the ground prematurely, resulting in early supination and reducing the shock-absorbing capacity of the limb.

Question 7

Rearfoot Varus - Compensation

Answer 7

With sufficient STJ mobility, will rapidly and excessively pronate during early stages of gait.

Question 8

Rearfoot Valgus - Compensation

Answer 8

Becomes hypermobile resulting in increased pronation.