Varus and valgus describe the alignment of your joints, usually the knees, in relation to the body’s midline. A varus alignment means the joint angles inward, causing the knees to bow outward—commonly called “bow-legged.” This shifts more weight to the inner (medial) part of the knee, which can increase stress on cartilage and lead to pain or arthritis over time. Varus can result from genetics, injury, or conditions that affect bone or joint structure.
On the other hand, valgus alignment occurs when the joint angles outward, causing the knees to tilt inward—often called “knock-kneed.” This places more pressure on the outer (lateral) part of the knee, which can also lead to pain, instability, or accelerated wear of cartilage. Both varus and valgus misalignments can affect walking, running, and other daily movements, and they are often addressed through physical therapy, braces, or in severe cases, surgical correction to restore proper alignment and reduce joint stress.
