Valgus
1. [noun] [L. valgus, valga, valgum bent, bent outward, bowleg(ged)] Bent or turned outward, used esp. of deformities in which the most distal anatomical part is angled outward and away from the midline of the body. The classical Latin adjective valgus , valga , valgum means “bowleg” or “bowlegged” and applies to the appearance of the defect. The modern medical Latin adjective applies to the cause of the defect; thus a “valgus knee” is caused by the outward bending of the tibia and fibula (away from the center of the body), resulting in “ genu valgum , ” or “knock-knee.” Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners
Source: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/valgus
Frequently Asked Questions
How does valgus alignment present in the foot compared to variations like varus?
In a valgus foot, the outer segment is angled outward from the body’s midline. This contrasts with varus alignment, where the distal part tilts inward, offering an everyday way to distinguish between different foot structural appearances.
Which everyday signs might indicate a valgus misalignment in the feet?
You might notice uneven shoe wear or an outward tilt of the foot when standing. These signs can hint at a valgus alignment, where the foot rotates outward relative to the body’s midline during daily activities.
How does understanding the Latin origin of the term assist in remembering foot alignment issues?
The word 'valgus' comes from Latin, meaning 'bent outward' or 'bowlegged.' This etymology helps reminder that in the foot, a valgus condition involves an outward angulation, simplifying the concept through its linguistic roots.