varus

sports medicine

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Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

Varus is a medical term describing a deformity where an anatomical part turns inward toward the body's midline to an abnormal degree. For example, a varus heel refers to a heel that turns inward. In sports medicine, varus can also describe a knee deformity where the knee bends outward, causing the legs to angle inward. This is sometimes referred to as genu varum, or bow-leggedness.1

Turf toe, a common injury in sports like football, involves a sprain of the big toe's metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. It often occurs due to hyperextension of the big toe, particularly when playing on artificial surfaces with flexible shoes. While hyperextension is the most common cause, varus (bending inward) and valgus (bending outward) can also be mechanisms of injury in specific scenarios.2

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turf toe
Injury mechanism
Varus (bending inside) and valgus (bending outside) are two other described mechanisms. Valgus is most commonly seen in a football lineman who is pushing off from a stance. Varus is rarely seen but can occur when an outward force is applied to a fixed forefoot.
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Varus (bending inside) and valgus (bending outside) are two other described mechanisms. Valgus is most commonly seen in a football lineman who is pushing off from a stance. Varus is rarely seen but can occur when an outward force is applied to a fixed forefoot.
Read More