Knee Valgus vs Varus

Knee Valgus vs Varus

Valgus collapse’ or ‘knee valgus’ is a movement dysfunction that may occur during walking, running, squatting or other functional activities. It refers to when one knee “collapses” in towards the other knee, instead of travelling in a straight line over the foot.

What is the difference between valgus and Valgum?

In varus deformities, the apex of the angle formed by the bones on both sides of a joint points away from the body. Genu valgum (lower panel) is a valgus alignment of the knee. In valgus deformities, the apex of the angle formed by the bones on both sides of a joint points toward the body.

What causes knee varus?

Varus knee is common in newborns. In older children and adults, the condition is usually caused by improper bone formation due to rickets, cancer, or arthritis. Certain professions can increase one’s risk of developing varus knee. Various exercises can help reduce the pain caused by this condition.

How do you know if you have knee valgus?

Genu valgum, known as knock-knees, is a knee misalignment that turns your knees inward. When people with knock-knees stand up with their knees together, there’s a gap of 3 inches or more between their ankles. This is because their knees are bent so far inward.

Is MCL valgus or varus?

Overall, the MCL plays a crucial role in the stability of the knee and acts as the primary valgus restraint in a flexed knee.

How do you remember varus vs valgus?

Mnemonic. The L of “lateral” is also in valgus, but not in varus. When also remembering that the direction of the distal part is key: distal (more) lateral means valgus and distal (more) medial means varus.

Is varus or valgus knee more common?

Varus thrust observed during gait has been shown to be associated with a 4-fold increase in the risk of medial knee osteoarthritis progression. Valgus thrust is believed less common than varus thrust; the prevalence of each is uncertain.

What causes knee valgus and varus?

It happens when your tibia, the larger bone in your shin, turns inward instead of aligning with your femur, the large bone in your thigh. This causes your knees to turn outward. The opposite of varus knee is valgus knee, which makes some people knock-kneed.

What causes valgus?

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause, however, other causes include post-traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, and renal osteodystrophy. Regardless of etiology, the valgus malalignment can be corrected with careful analysis of the deformity and a systematic surgical approach.

How can I strengthen my knee valgus?

Strengthening the knee and hip muscles can improve valgus knee and performing a squat with a resistance band can help improve function. Valgus knee can happen when lowering or rising out of the bottom of the squat. Resistance bands are great tools to help correct valgus knees and provide strength to your hip muscles.

How do squats fix knee valgus?

How To Fix Knee Valgus During Squat (7 Tips)
Focus on your toes.Screw your feet into the ground.Perform single-leg exercises.Work on your hip abduction.Increase ankle mobility.Narrow your stance.Use the appropriate weight.

What muscles are weak in knee valgus?

D. A common improper movement pattern observed during a squat is knee valgus (knees caving inward). This is typically the result of strong hip adductor muscles (located on the inner thigh) overpowering the weak hip abductors (gluteus minimus and gluteus medius).

Does flat feet cause knee valgus?

And although flat feet don’t cause you to be knock-kneed, people who are knock-kneed sometimes have flat feet; their feet rotate inward to compensate for the misalignment of the knees.

Maya Lin-Takahashi
Author

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.