Foot Types.

Foot Types.

1. Fore foot varus – in this deformity the fore foot is inverted relative to the hind foot in subtalar neutral position (also known as metatarsal adductus or varus). Deviations of the fore foot greater than 5° will ultimately lead to foot pain and needs to be treated. The first metatarsal becomes hypermobile. To compensate and allow the fore foot to bear weight during walking, the subtalar and the midtarsal joints pronate. The hind foot is in valgus position.
2. Rear foot varus – in this deformity the posterior surface of the calcaneum is inverted in relation to the ground with the subtalar joint in neutral. As a result of this the plantar surface of the foot becomes inverted and the patient tends to walk on the lateral surface of the foot. During weight bearing, this is compensated by pronating the foot to bring the medial side to ground contact. The first ray is plantar flexed.
3. Fore foot valgus – this is where the fore foot is everted in relation to the calcaneum with the subtalar joint in neutral position. This causes the medial side of the foot to come in contact with ground very early in the gait cycle. The foot may compensate by dorsiflexing the first metatarsal joint (lower first metatarsal), to allow the lateral side to come in contact with the ground. If this movement is insufficient then the midtarsal and subtarsal joints may supinate
4. Rear foot valgus – this happens as compensation to fore foot varus. This may be defined as a deformity in which the heel is everted in relation to the midline of the leg with the subtalar joint in neutral. This causes pronation of the leg and internal rotation of the leg.