Study of the Use of Laser Light to Treat Osteoarthritis of the Hand.

Osteoarthritis of the hand is a disease that breaks down the cartilage and causes formation
of new bone around the joints of the hand, resulting in pain, discomfort, and often lowered
ability to move the affected joints. Existing methods of treatment for osteoarthritis of the
hand include oral and topical medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistive
device use, braces and surgery. This study is intended to evaluate the effectiveness of
at-home use of a low level laser device in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the
hand.

Comparison(s): Active low level laser units in addition to rescue pain medication, compared
to non-active ('fake') low level laser units in addition to rescue pain medication.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Clinical and radiographic diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the hand.

- Hand symptoms such as pain, aching and stiffness present across the prior six months.

- Willingness to use only Tylenol to relieve hand symptoms during the study.

- Primary spoken language is English.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Current use of narcotics, opiates, morphine, steroids.

- Previous surgery to the hand.

- Infection or wound in the hand.

- Involvement in litigation, worker's compensation claim or receiving disability
benefits because of osteoarthritis of the hand.

- Participation in a research study during the prior 90 days.

- Pregnant or lactating.