Empowering Relief: Low-Level Laser Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Empowering Relief: Low-Level Laser Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently coexists with incapacitating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which can have a substantial impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a prospective intervention for CTS associated with RA.

A total of 19 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in 19 hands were divided into two treatment groups: Group 1 received low-level laser therapy (LLLT), while Group 2 received a placebo laser therapy. The LLLT treatment involved the use of a Galium-Aluminum-Arsenide diode laser device with a power output of 50 mW and a wavelength of 780 nm. The treatments were administered once daily on weekdays for a duration of 10 days. Clinical assessments were conducted at the beginning of the study, at the end of the treatment period, and during a three-month follow-up period.

The study assessed various clinical parameters including the functional status scale (FSS), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, symptom severity scale (SSS), and grip strength. Additionally, electrophysiological examination was conducted. The findings demonstrated that the LLLT group exhibited significantly greater improvements compared to the placebo group.

The LLLT group demonstrated notable enhancements in both pain scores and functional status scale scores in contrast to the placebo group. These results indicate that LLLT could potentially be considered as an effective alternative therapy for managing pain and improving hand function in patients with CTS and RA.

Additional investigation is necessary to clarify the mechanisms that contribute to the therapeutic benefits of LLLT in RA-related CTS. However, our study emphasizes the potential of LLLT as a non-invasive and efficient intervention for alleviating symptoms and promoting overall well-being in individuals with this condition.