Study of Capsaicin Patches for Treating Painful Digital Osteoarthritis with Neuropathic Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a transdermal capsaicin patch in adults with digital osteoarthritis who also have neuropathic pain in their fingers. This randomized, double-blind clinical trial compares a high-dose capsaicin patch 179 mg, 8% to a low-dose control patch 0.04%, aiming to see differences in finger pain intensity after 60 days. Participants receive either the high-dose or low-dose capsaicin patch applied to their painful fingers for 30 minutes during the initial visit. The study includes a screening visit, randomization and patch application, followed by a first follow-up visit at about 60 days where pain and function are assessed, and possibly a new high-dose patch application if pain remains high. A second follow-up visit at 120 days completes the study. Patients record daily pain levels and medication use throughout. During the study, researchers take blood samples at the beginning and at 60 days to measure inflammatory markers and cartilage degradation indicators. Participants undergo pain assessments, functional evaluations, and questionnaires on anxiety and depression. Safety and patient impressions of change are also monitored. The total study participation lasts approximately 120 days with regular visits and ongoing symptom tracking.

Capsaicin in Digital Osteoarthritis Versus Control