Sometimes we can suddenly feel pain in our knees or elbows, right? Or we can have a small accident like slipping and falling while playing or walking and start to feel pain in that area. When you go to see a doctor at such times, he will do some tests to find out what your injury is and where exactly the damage is. Two such important tests are the `(Valgus Stress Test)` and the `(Varus Stress Test). Let's talk about these simply.
What are these `(Valgus)` and `(Varus)` tests? Simply put...
Simply put, these ``Valgus'' and ``Varus'' stress tests are a method your doctor uses to detect damage to the ligaments in your knee or elbow, especially the collateral ligaments.
Imagine your doctor holding your knee or elbow, moving it back and forth, applying pressure to see if you feel any pain or anything else unusual. This is the basic part of this test. Most often, these tests are done on your knees and elbows. But very rarely, your wrists or ankles may also be tested.
These tests mainly look for damage to your collateral ligaments . We all have these collateral ligaments in our knees and elbows.
- On the inside of the knee, that is, on the side that faces inward when the two legs are brought together, there is a ligament called the `(MCL - Medial Collateral Ligament)`. Similarly, there is this `(MCL)` on the side of the elbow that is closer to the inside of the body.
- On the outside of the knee, that is, the side that is exposed when the legs are apart, there is a ligament called the `(LCL - Lateral Collateral Ligament)`. There is also this `(LCL)` on the outside of the elbow.
These `(Valgus)` and `(Varus)` tests are simple tests that can be done in the doctor's office, without any special equipment or a separate appointment. These can be done during the initial examination when you go to the doctor for knee pain, elbow pain, or after an accident. However, after these tests, you will definitely need to do one or more `(Imaging Tests)` to confirm the damage to the ligaments or any other problems. Sometimes, if you need to repair the damage inside your joint with surgery, you may also need to do an `(Arthroscopy)`.
When are these tests done? What are the symptoms?
If you have pain in your knee or elbow, or if you have had an accident with your leg or arm, your doctor may perform a ``Valgus'' or ``Varus'' test. These tests can check for damage to the ``Collateral Ligaments'' that support your joints.
Important: Ligament injuries are one of the most common injuries seen in sports. We also call an injury to a ligament a ``Sprain`` or a ``Tear`` . While most sprains are minor, ligament tears can sometimes be serious injuries.
- The `(Valgus Stress Test)` mainly looks at the damage to your `(MCL)`.
- The `(Varus Stress Test)` looks at the damage to your `(LCL)`.
If one of your ligaments is damaged, you may experience symptoms like:
- Bluish discoloration or discoloration at the injured area.
- It feels like the joint is loose, like it's not strong enough .
- Pain .
- Hearing or feeling a "click" or "clicking" sound .
- Swelling .
- If it's a leg, it's hard to stand with weight on it , and if it's an elbow, it's hard to move your arm .
- Feeling weakness in that joint.
Who performs these `(Valgus)` and `(Varus)` tests?
It's very simple. Your doctor does these tests in his or her own room. It doesn't require any special equipment or going to a separate facility.
How exactly are these tests done?
These `(Valgus)` and `(Varus)` tests are a series of movements that are performed to check your symptoms and how far you can move your joint (Range of Motion). These tests are very simple, and here are the steps:
1. First, you will be made to lie on your back .
2. Then the doctor will lift your arm or leg slightly higher than the rest of your body .
3. Next, the doctor will apply light pressure just above your knee or elbow.
- In a ``Valgus Stress Test'', they push inward, that is, toward the middle of your body .
- In a ``Varus Stress Test'', they are pushed outward, meaning away from your body .
If you are having these tests done on your knee, the doctor will probably do it twice – once with your knee slightly bent, and the other time with your knee straight.
These different positions and pressures put a slight strain on your ligaments. These movements are very similar to the strain you experience when you use your knee or elbow on a regular day.
When the doctor moves your knee or elbow, he will definitely ask if you feel any pain . He will also pay close attention to whether you hear a "click" sound or feel anything with your hand. This will help them understand where and how badly your ligament may be torn.
What is the difference between `(Valgus)` and `(Varus)` tests?
These two tests are actually very similar. The only difference is that the doctor will look at the side of your knee or elbow to see if there is any ligament damage.
- ``(Valgus)`` is the medical term for a stress test that applies pressure toward the center of your body, that is, toward the inside . In a ``(Valgus Stress Test),`` the doctor pushes your knee or elbow inward, toward the side of your body.
- ``(Varus)`` is the name given to the fact that your body is pushed outward, that is, towards the outside . This is the opposite of ``(Valgus)``. In a ``(Varus Stress Test)``, the doctor applies pressure to your knee or elbow outward, away from your body.
Do I need to prepare anything before these tests?
No, you don't need to prepare for these ``(Valgus)`` or ``(Varus)`` tests. The only thing you need to do is see a doctor as soon as possible if you have an injury to your knee or elbow, or if you have any new symptoms in your joints.
What should I expect during the test?
Try to stay as relaxed as possible when the doctor moves your knee or elbow.
Because these ``(Valgus)`` and ``(Varus)`` tests are a series of physical movements, you should tell your doctor everything you feel – especially if any movement is painful or uncomfortable.
Any pain, discomfort, or other symptoms you feel during the exam will help your doctor understand where your ligaments are damaged, or what other injuries you may have.
What will happen after these tests?
Valgus and Varus tests are usually only the first step in treating a bunion injury. If your doctor feels or hears anything unusual during the exam, he or she may order additional imaging tests or start treatment to help relieve your symptoms.
After the valgus or varus tests, you may need to have at least one imaging test . These tests take pictures of the inside of your joint and can look for damage to ligaments or other tissues. The most common imaging tests are:
- X-rays
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound tests
Your doctor will tell you what imaging tests you need to have and what kind of injuries they are looking for.
You may need to have an arthroscopy to look inside your knee or elbow to see what's wrong or to repair it. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera to look inside your joint. Most arthroscopy surgeries are done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
Are there any risks with these `(Valgus)` and `(Varus)` tests?
No, there is no risk to your knees or elbows when performing a ``Valgus'' or ``Varus'' test.
You may feel some pain or discomfort during the test. However, even if you have a ligament injury, you should not feel any severe pain while the doctor is performing the test.
But remember, the `(Valgus)` and `(Varus)` tests are not the only tests you should do. They are not a perfect way to find out if there is an injury or damage. However, they are a useful first step for your doctor to take in order to find out what your injury is. Imaging tests are the most definitive answer, which is why you should have at least one imaging test after a `(Valgus)` or `(Varus)` test.
What are the results I get? What do they tell me?
The results of the `(Valgus)` and `(Varus)` tests are not direct results like some of the tests you have had before. That is, instead of giving a specific range or a specific number, these tests give your doctor a better idea of whether there may be an injury to your joint and how serious that injury is.
These are more like "right or wrong" questions , not math problems with a definite answer. Your doctor will classify your test as "positive" if they find anything that suggests you have a collateral ligament injury. A "negative" result means the doctor didn't feel or hear anything unusual during the test.
Important: A negative result does not mean that you do not have an injury. It just means that the doctor did not find anything unusual during the examination, whether it is ``Valgus'' or ``Varus''. You may still have a torn ligament, or you may have another type of injury.
When should I call my doctor?
If your symptoms, such as pain or swelling, get worse after a few days, see a doctor.
Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience these symptoms:
- Very severe pain .
- If the swelling is getting worse .
- If you see discoloration .
- If you can't move your knee or elbow at all .
Things to Remember (Take-Home Message)
``(Valgus)`` and ``(Varus)`` stress tests are quick, simple first steps that help doctors determine if there is an injury to the ligaments in your knee or elbow. While they don't provide a definitive answer , they can help guide the next steps in diagnosing and treating your injury.
If you injure your knee or elbow – especially if you can't use or move them – see a doctor or go to an emergency room right away. Taking care of your health is the most important thing!
` Knee pain, Elbow pain, Ligament injuries, Stress test, Valgus test, Varus test, Joint disorders
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