Evaluation of the Effects of High Intensity Laser Therapy and Exercise in Hand Thumb Osteoarthritis

Launched by TC ERCIYES UNIVERSITY · Aug 1, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

First carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease of the hand that causes severe pain, stiffness, weakness, and increased functional loss. It is based on joint degeneration involving articular surface deterioration, osteophyte formation, and ligamentous laxity. It is a prevalent condition in the aging population and can significantly affect hand function. The disease affects approximately 7% of men and 15% of women over the age of 50. First CMC joint OA can lead to pain and deformity at the base of the thumb, resulting in limitations in activities of dai...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients diagnosed with stage I, II, or III carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis in their dominant hand based on radiographic findings according to the Eaton-Littler-Burton classification system
• • Patients experiencing pain equal to or greater than 4 on the Visual Analog Scale during activities of daily living
• • Patients who agree to complete the provided clinical evaluation scales to assess treatment efficacy and who can sign the informed consent form
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with a history of neurological diseases affecting the upper extremity
• • Patients with a history of rheumatological diseases
• • Patients who have received any treatment for hand problems (including intra-articular joint injections) within the last six months
• • Patients with severe hand and wrist injuries (such as fractures)
• • Patients with a surgical history related to the thumb
• • Patients diagnosed with hand or finger tenosynovitis, Dupuytren's disease, or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• • Patients with conditions contraindicating laser therapy (cardiac pacemaker, cancer, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled hypertension)