What is meant by valgus stress?

Valgus stress refers to a force or pressure exerted on the medial side (the inner side) of a limb, which causes the joint, particularly in areas like the knee, to move outward or laterally. This type of stress can lead to potential injuries such as ligament tears or strains, especially the medial collateral ligament (MCL). Understanding this concept is crucial in sports medicine as it helps athletes and trainers identify specific injuries and conditions related to improper movement patterns or trauma during physical activity.

The other options describe different types of forces or effects that do not align with the definition of valgus stress. A force applied to the lateral side describes varus stress instead, which moves the joint inward. Stretching of the tendons of the ankle or impact on muscle fibers does not pertain to the specific biomechanical concept of valgus stress, as they focus on different anatomical interactions and muscular responses.