Compression Gloves for Arthritis, Raynauds, Carpal Tunnel: Find the Perfect Pair That You Need

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• How Do Compression Gloves Work?
• Choosing the Right Pair of Compression Gloves
• Full Compression Gloves
• Half-Gloves
• Copper-Infused Gloves
• Getting Maximum Relief from Compression Gloves
• Conclusion

Compression Gloves for Arthritis, Raynaud's, and Carpal Tunnel

One of the most common, but no less debilitating, causes of pain and disability around the world is arthritis.

According to the statistics, there are approximately 350 million people worldwide who suffer from arthritis. In the US alone, 40 million people have to deal with the condition; a quarter million of which are children.

Among the more common areas affected by arthritis is the hand. And over time, it can lead to people losing the use of their hand muscles. Compression gloves offer a practical solution, giving relief from pain and stiffness in conditions like arthritis, Raynaud’s, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

How Do Compression Gloves Work?

Compression gloves are designed to offer more than just comfort—they actively support your hand's healing process. These gloves combine light support, gentle pressure, and warmth to promote better blood flow, which helps reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve mobility. Here’s how they work:

Compression Boosts Circulation: By applying consistent, mild pressure across the hands and fingers, compression gloves encourage increased circulation. This allows oxygen-rich blood to reach the muscles and tissues faster, helping to alleviate stiffness and reduce swelling, particularly common in arthritis and carpal tunnel sufferers. Improved blood flow also speeds up the removal of lactic acid and other metabolic waste, reducing discomfort after long periods of hand use.

Gentle Support for the Joints: The gloves provide a subtle brace-like support to the joints, helping to stabilize them and limit excess movement. This is especially beneficial for people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or repetitive stress injuries. It reduces strain on the joints, preventing further damage and making everyday tasks like typing or gripping objects easier.

Warmth for Soothing Relief: Warmth plays a crucial role in managing pain, especially in conditions like Raynaud’s where poor circulation can cause the hands to feel cold and stiff. The fabric of compression gloves helps retain natural body heat, which soothes aching joints, relaxes stiff muscles, and keeps your hands comfortable in cooler environments.

Pain Relief and Mobility Enhancement: By combining compression and warmth, these gloves address two key aspects of pain management. Compression decreases swelling, while warmth relaxes the muscles. This synergy helps relieve pain while also improving mobility, making it easier to move your fingers and perform everyday tasks without discomfort. Whether you're dealing with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or another condition, these gloves can be a game-changer for managing symptoms.

Choosing the Right Pair of Compression Gloves

Not all compression gloves are created equal, and finding the right pair can make a big difference in how effective they are for your specific condition. Whether you're managing arthritis, carpal tunnel, or Raynaud’s, the type of gloves you choose will depend on your needs and how you plan to use them. Let’s break down the key features to consider.

Full Compression Gloves

Full-coverage compression gloves are designed to provide maximum support and warmth. They cover the entire hand, including the fingertips, and are typically recommended for nighttime use. If you have conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Raynaud’s, full gloves are ideal because they help retain body heat, which can reduce joint stiffness and promote better circulation while you sleep. This helps relieve morning stiffness and swelling, allowing for more flexibility and comfort when you wake up. Additionally, the full coverage ensures that your hands are evenly supported, which is particularly important for those dealing with chronic inflammation and pain. If you experience frequent flare-ups or significant swelling, full gloves might be your best option for consistent relief.

Half-Gloves

Half-gloves, which leave the fingertips exposed, are perfect for daytime wear. They provide all the benefits of compression—improved circulation, pain relief, and swelling reduction—while still allowing for full use of your fingers. This makes them ideal for those who need to maintain dexterity during tasks like typing, cooking, or using a phone. The exposed fingertips make it easier to grip objects and perform fine motor tasks, which is crucial for maintaining independence in everyday activities. If you’re looking for a pair of gloves to wear throughout the day while still staying active, half-gloves are a great option. They offer the best of both worlds: compression support without limiting hand movement.

Copper-Infused Gloves

If you’re concerned about keeping your gloves hygienic, copper-infused gloves might be the way to go. These gloves incorporate copper fibers, which are known for their anti-bacterial and anti-odor properties. Copper-infused gloves are especially useful if you plan to wear your gloves for long stretches of time—whether it's overnight or during daily activities—because they help prevent the buildup of bacteria, keeping your gloves fresher for longer. Beyond hygiene, some believe that copper has additional benefits for reducing inflammation, although more research is needed in this area. Whether or not you buy into the copper hype, there's no denying that these gloves help you maintain cleanliness and comfort, which is especially important if you're dealing with long-term conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel.

Getting Maximum Relief from Compression Gloves

If you want to get the most out of your compression gloves, consistency and proper use are key. The experts at Dr. Arthritis—founded by two practicing doctors from Imperial College London—have a few tips to ensure you experience maximum relief and effectiveness from your gloves:

1. Fit Matters
   The most important factor in ensuring your compression gloves work as they should is getting the right fit. Your gloves need to fit snugly—tight enough to provide the necessary compression without cutting off circulation. If they’re too loose, they won’t deliver the benefits of improved blood flow, reduced swelling, or pain relief. If they’re too tight, you may end up with more discomfort than you started with, as restricted blood flow can cause additional swelling or irritation. Before purchasing a pair, take accurate measurements of your hands, and always consult the manufacturer’s sizing guide. If you’re unsure about sizing or need additional advice, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or physical therapist. They can help you find the perfect fit, which is essential for proper hand support and healing.

2. Wear Them Consistently
   Like any therapeutic tool, compression gloves work best when used consistently. To experience real relief, aim to wear your gloves for at least 8 hours a day. For many, the most practical time to wear them is overnight, especially if you’re using full-coverage gloves designed for nighttime relief. Wearing them while you sleep not only ensures you meet the recommended wear time but also helps reduce morning stiffness and swelling. If wearing them overnight isn’t an option, try to incorporate glove use during your most active hours. Consistency is key to maintaining the benefits of reduced swelling, improved circulation, and decreased pain.

3. Ensure Even Support
   Compression gloves should provide even support across your entire hand, including the wrists, fingers, and joints. This is particularly important for people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, where inflammation and pain can affect multiple areas of the hand. Make sure the compression is evenly distributed, with no part of the glove feeling overly tight or loose. Uneven pressure can lead to discomfort and may not deliver the therapeutic benefits you need. Pay close attention to how the gloves feel around your wrists and fingers—these are common areas where people experience pain or stiffness, and proper support here is essential for effective relief.

4. Take Breaks if Necessary
   While wearing gloves for extended periods is recommended, don’t hesitate to take short breaks if you feel discomfort. Your body may take some time to adjust to wearing compression gloves for long periods, especially if you’re new to using them. Gradually increase the wear time as your hands get accustomed to the gloves, and listen to your body. If you feel pain, numbness, or tingling, remove the gloves and consult your healthcare provider to reassess the fit and usage.

5. Keep Them Clean
   Hygiene plays a big role in maintaining the benefits of compression gloves, especially if you wear them frequently or for long stretches of time. Make sure to clean your gloves regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is particularly important if you’re using copper-infused gloves, as while the copper offers anti-bacterial benefits, the gloves still need to be cleaned to ensure proper hygiene and to avoid skin irritation. Clean, well-maintained gloves will last longer and provide better support.

Visit https://www.doctorarthritis.org to check out the entire line and enjoy the benefits of compression therapy today.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a message in the comment section below.