Effectiveness of platelet rich plasma (PRP) as a pain management method in Bunion Hallux Valgus; A Case Series

Abstract

Chronic foot pain resulting from bunion hallux valgus deformity is a common complaint in family medicine, sport medicine and orthopedics practices especially in females. It is a deformity in metatarsophalangeal joint of big toe because of laxity of joint capsule and ligaments resulting in failure of stabilization of the affected joint. High heels, tight and narrow tiptoe box pointed shoes are potential apparent causes of this pathology. Initial treatment remains conservative with large toe box shoes, pain control medicines and surgery as a last choice. When indicated, surgical treatment is controversial because of the greater than 100 described surgical procedures and a historically high prevalence of recurrence. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous treatment and pain management method came out in last twenty years, now it is so popular in orthopaedic, rheumatology and sport medicine practices because of it’s effectiveness and cheapness and safety. The authors reported and managed chronic pain by PRP local injections for four cases complaining from long standing bunion hallux valgus deformity and pain.