Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for the Treatment of Hand Osteoarthritis.
This study is a randomized, control trial of Active Duty and DoD Beneficiaries, age 18 years or older, with complaints of hand osteoarthritis. Subjects will be randomized into one of two groups receiving either LLLT or sham LLLT. Subjects will receive LLLT or sham LLLT weekly over a period of six weeks. At each visit, patients will rate their pain using the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) and assess their functionality using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Subjects will have a follow up visit six weeks after the treatment protocol for a final assessment of pain and function. The Phoenix Thera-Lase laser is a Class II, 510k cleared device (#K151521) and is legally marketed in the US. Investigators are using in accordance with its approved labeling and no changes to the approved labeling are being sought.
• Male and Female Active Duty and DoD Beneficiaries aged 18 years or older
• Hand pain, aching, or stiffness
⁃ And at least 3 of the 4 following features:
• Hard tissue enlargement of 2 or more of 10 selected joints
• Hard tissue enlargement of 2 or more distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints
• Fewer than 3 swollen metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints
• Deformity of at least 1 of 10 selected joints
⁃ (The 10 selected joints are the first carpometacarpal (CMC), second and third proximal interphalangeal (PIP), second and third DIP joints of both hands.)