Forefoot launch is a bone-based condition where the front of the foot is angled in relation to the back and ankle, causing problems such as tendonitis and stress fractures. Correction requires a physical exam and may involve the use of pads or orthotic products. Another condition, forefoot supinatus, is often mistaken for forefoot varus.
Forefoot launch is a bone-based condition in which the front of the foot is angled in relation to the back and ankle. In medicine, pronation is when a part of the body is level, typically in response to gravity. Supination is usually a movement of an area or joint that resists gravity; if something is supinated, it is often in the up position. With forefoot launch, the front of the foot is said to be supinated, or elevated, relative to the back of the foot. Sometimes the condition is compensated for by altering the position of the knees or hips, for example; Varus deformity in the foot can lead to problems elsewhere in the body if not corrected.
When someone has this problem, the toes and ball of the foot may appear to be in a normal position. Another joint sometimes adds to the pull of gravity, or prone, to compensate for forefoot launch, which can cause the knees to be held together or apart. Equalization can also occur in other parts of the foot, ankle, or hip; people may fully or partially compensate for forefoot varus or not at all. In addition to other foot problems, people can develop tendonitis, shin splints, sciatic nerve pain, or stress fractures.
Another condition, called forefoot supinatus, is often mistaken for this problem. In this case, the deformity associated with forefoot varus is typically caused by problems with the soft tissue rather than the bone. It is usually caused by a problem with the back of the foot. Physical therapy is often sufficient to correct the soft tissue shape of the disorder, while forefoot varus can be difficult to correct in most people.
Pads are often used under the foot to treat forefoot varus, which provides arch support. Sometimes an orthotic product is used to modify the movement of the foot. A relatively soft appliance can be worn, but unless a hard shell is used, it can be difficult to angle the foot into the correct position.
Forefoot varus correction requires a physical exam by a doctor first. Forefoot angles, as well as length and width, are typically measured to gauge how much correction is needed for the problem. Doctors may also take an impression of the foot and examine it, or have a patient ride a stationary bike and wear corrective wedges. As the person peddles, a laser is often used to measure knee alignment in degrees.
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