Treatment of Hallux Valgus with Hyaluronic Acid: A Pilot Study

Aim: Hallux valgus is the deformity of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint with abduction and valgus rotation of the great toe, combined with a medially prominent first metatarsal head. Hyaluronic acid injection has been used in the treatment of degenerative disorders of several joints successfully. In this research, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid injection in patients with hallux valgus. Material and Method: Eleven female and two male patients with hallux valgus were included in this pilot study. Only patients with mild and moderate hallux valgus were included in the study. 1 cc hyaluronic acid was injected into the affected MTP joint three times, at one-week intervals. Visual analogue scale(VAS) score, walking time without pain, walking distance, and daily analgesic needs of the patients were recorded. All clinical outcomes were assessed before, and then one and three months after the first injection. Results: The mean VAS score was 83.08 +/- 4.58. One month after the first injection, VAS scores of patients had decreased significantly (30 +/- 4.38, P: 0.001). Also, increased walking time and distance and decreased daily analgesic need were observed at the first month of post-injection follow-up (P: 0.001). After 3 months, the positive outcomes remained significant compared to preinjection evaluations. Discussion: According to our preliminary results, we suggest thathyaluronic acid injectionsmay be effective in reducing pain and increasing walking time and distance in patients with hallux valgus. Future studies are needed to clarify the beneficial effects of hyaluronic acid injection in patients with hallux valgus.