Difference Between Forefoot Varus and Forefoot Supinatus

Wikis > Biomechanics > Clinical Biomechanics > Pathomechanical Entities > Forefoot Varus > Difference Between Forefoot Varus and Forefoot Supinatus

Tabulation of the difference between the constructs of forefoot varus and forefoot supinatus:

Forefoot VarusForefoot Supinatus
Appearance:Forefoot inverted relative to rearfoot when subtalar joint is in its neutral positions and the midtarsal is full pronatedForefoot inverted relative to rearfoot when subtalar joint is in its neutral positions and the midtarsal is full pronated
Cause:CongenitalAcquired
Tissue:OsseousSoft Tissue
"Overpronation":Causes "overpronation"Caused by "overpronation"
Treatment:Not correctableCorrectable
Orthotic Design Features:Medial forefoot postingNo medial forefoot posting

Both forefoot varus and forefoot supinatus have a similar appearance but are both very different pathomechanical entities. Confusion between the two can lead to poor clinical decisions and research that is meaningless.

The differential between the two is generally done with the person standing and the subtalar joint placed in the defined neutral position and held there while attempting to plantarflex the medial column to the ground. A forefoot supinatus will move more than a forefoot varus and have a different end range feel due to it being a soft tissue issue.

External Links:
Forefoot varus (Podiatry Arena)
Forefoot Varus/Invertus/Supinatus (Podiatry Arena)
The effect of forefoot varus on the hip and knee and the effect of the hip and knee on forefoot supinatus … (Running Research Junkie)

Related Topics:
Forefoot supinatus | Forefoot-rearfoot relationship | Forefoot Invertus / Inverted Forefoot | Forefoot Valgus | Dorsiflexed first ray / metatarsus primus elevatus | Forefoot Posting | Forefoot to Rearfoot Relationship | Research About Forefoot Varus

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