Do compression gloves work for arthritis?
Yes, compression gloves work for arthritis. They appear to improve hand symptoms in RA considerably. This implies they are effective in treating hand pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Arthritis results in joint pain. The pain is accompanied by stiffness and swelling. As a result, it becomes difficult for you to do regular activities.
The exact cause of the arthritis is still unknown.
However, we can use different therapies, like heat, heat and cold, and heat and compression, to get rid of swellings and pain. This can be achieved by wearing arthritis gloves.
Therapists have recommended wearing compression gloves for arthritis to carry out regular activities.
Arthritis Compression gloves ease the pain by applying constant pressure to your joints. But does this solve the problem? Do compression gloves work for arthritis?
Can compression gloves help arthritis?
To answer this question in detail, we need to understand the different types and mechanisms of compression gloves.
Types of compression gloves
The following are three types of compression gloves:
- Normal arthritis gloves
- Heated gloves
- Glove splints
Normal arthritis gloves
Normal or regular arthritis gloves are specially designed to offer compression. Your hand joints are slightly compressed, and mild heat is provided. As a result, you feel less pain and can focus on your routine activities.
Heated gloves
Heated gloves keep your hands warm while you work or play outdoors. These gloves come with a heating mechanism and a thermoregulator so that you can control the heat level. Also, heated gloves are great for arthritis symptoms because they combine heat with a little bit of pressure.
Glove splints
Glove splints keep your joints immobilized so that you feel less pain. Glove splints can help you recover from moderate swelling and soreness.
Don’t forget to read the reviews of compression gloves, whether you select fingerless compression gloves or hand compression gloves.
What are the best compression gloves?
If you’re looking for the best compression glove, look for those that have the following features:
Constant compression: A good compression glove offers moderate and continuous compression. As a result, your joints stay in place.
There is a mild compression that helps blood flow. As a result, it helps reduce swelling, pain, and soreness. This is an ideal scenario to reduce arthritis pain, swelling, and other types of hand pain.
Heat: Heat therapy has been used for centuries to relieve pain.
Heat is known to alleviate muscle and joint stiffness. It may be used to relax muscles, lubricate joints, or ease muscular spasms.
Either the material of the compression gloves should offer maximum warmth or have a built-in heating mechanism for maximum effectiveness.
Good for work: There is no point in buying those compression gloves that cannot be used when they are required. These gloves should allow you to do normal activities while keeping your hand joints compressed with a bit of warmth. The size and fit should allow you to work/play easily without feeling the joint’s pain.
If your foot joints feel the same, heated socks are also available.
How long should you wear compression gloves?
This depends upon your activities. If you are working or playing, you need to wear the arthritic glove until you stop your activity. If you are wearing sleeping gloves for arthritis, you should wear them for at least 8 hours so that you can sleep properly.
So, do compression gloves work for arthritis?
Yes, compression gloves work for arthritis. They appear to improve hand symptoms in RA considerably. This implies they are effective in treating hand pain, stiffness, and swelling.
You need to select the best arthritis gloves or arthritis pads to benefit from this heat or compression therapy.
Additional Questions
Are arthritis compression gloves really effective?
Well, the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of arthritis gloves is somewhat inconclusive. However, there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence suggesting they may be beneficial. To illustrate, let’s consider the story of Tien Sydnor-Campbell. She lives with rheumatoid arthritis and is an avid user of these gloves. According to her, the gloves have been instrumental in managing her condition, going so far as saying, “I love my gloves and swear by them.” This sentiment is shared by numerous arthritis patients who vouch for the personal relief they experienced with the use of arthritis gloves.
What considerations should I have in mind when using compression gloves for arthritis?
When it comes to wearing compression gloves for arthritis, there are three key things you should remember. Firstly, the fit of the gloves is of the utmost importance. If the gloves are too tight or too loose, they won’t effectively provide the compression needed. Therefore, look for gloves that fit you well or are adjustable. Secondly, you have to commit to wearing the gloves for a significant time which, according to experts, is about eight hours a day. Thus, breathable fabric is necessary to avoid sweaty hands. Finally, bear in mind the purpose of these gloves – they are intended to provide mild compression which helps manage symptoms but they are not a cure.
Does compression help in managing arthritis?
Yes, as per the expertise of medical professionals like Kristina Marie Quirolgico, MD, a physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, compression can quite possibly be beneficial for arthritis. Arthritis often leads to fluid build-up in the affected joint, resulting in swelling. Compression items like socks or stockings function by controlling this swelling. It’s a logical step to infer then, that gloves providing a similar kind of compression might also be effective for those suffering from arthritis.
Which gloves are recommended for relieving arthritis pain?
An excellent contender in the field of arthritis gloves is the IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves. Their design is made in a way that can offer mild compression providing warmth and promoting increased circulation, which directly helps in controlling pain and encouraging healing. It is not just their design but the very fabric they’re made of that contributes to their effectiveness. The soft, breathable cotton material ensures that the gloves are comfortable enough to be worn throughout the day and even at night. Hence, not only are they efficient, they also make the experience as convenient as possible.
Annika Ramos is a physiotherapist with a passion for helping people recover from injuries and illnesses. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring her creative side through various craft projects.