Ear zap device tested for arthritis hand pain
NCT ID NCT04520516
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear to reduce pain and inflammation in people with a severe form of hand osteoarthritis. 148 participants used either the active device or a sham (fake) device daily for 12 weeks. The goal was to see if the real device could lower hand pain more than the placebo.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a non-drug, at-home option to ease hand pain and inflammation for people with erosive hand osteoarthritis.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with no phase designation. The sham device looks identical but delivers no stimulation, so any benefit may be due to placebo. Results may not apply to all patients.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Service de Rhumatologie - Hôpital Saint Antoine
Paris, 75012, France