Effect of cryotherapy on the pain, radiographic parameters and functional outcomes of the feet in adults submitted to hallux valgus correction surgery: quasi-experimental retrospective cohort study

Hallux valgus (HV) is a prevalent deformity that often requires surgical correction. Therapies that control inflammation, pain, and bleeding may improve functional outcomes after surgery. To verify the effect of cryotherapy on clinical outcomes (pain, edema and radiographic parameters) and foot function of patients after hallux valgus (HV) corrective surgery. Quasi-experimental retrospective cohort study in Public Hospital. Participants: Thirty-two patients who underwent surgical hallux valgus correction surgery between 2016 and 2019. Intervention: The patients were divided into two groups: a cryotherapy group ( n = 16) who received cooling Alkantis ® dressing for six hours; and control group ( n = 16). Intervention/Exposure: Hallux valgus correction surgery. The surgical technique consisted of an incision medial to the first metatarsal, followed by medial longitudinal capsulotomy, exposure of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux, and the first metatarsal. Main Outcomes and Measures Pain (Faces Pain Scale–Revised), edema (forefoot circumference), analgesic consumption, range of motion (ROM) of the hallux (goniometer), radiographic parameters (M1–M5 head length, hallux valgus angle [HVA], and intermetatarsal angle [IMA]), and functionality (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society [AOFAS] score). Assessments were performed preoperatively and postoperatively (1st and 2nd days, 1st and 6th weeks). ROM, HVA, IMA, and AOFAS were reassessed at 16 weeks. Both groups reported reduced pain after surgery, but cryotherapy produced greater reductions at the 1st and 6th weeks. Analgesic consumption did not differ between groups. Patients receiving cryotherapy showed reduced edema and smaller HVA and IMA compared with controls. Additionally, cryotherapy was associated with greater ROM and improved functionality at 16 weeks. Cryotherapy (local cooling) applied after hallux valgus surgery in adults was associated with clinically meaningful reductions in postoperative pain and edema, together with improvements in foot mobility and functional recovery. The favorable radiographic outcomes (HVA and IMA) observed in both groups primarily reflect the effect of surgical correction. These findings support the use of cryotherapy as an adjunctive postoperative strategy to improve pain and functional recovery following hallux valgus surgery. Level III, retrospective cohort study.