ASK DR. ARTHRITIS: WHAT DO I NEED TO LOOK FOR IN COMPRESSION GLOVES?

There are a lot of products on the market that claim to provide immediate relief for joint pain in your hands. Among the more reliable and effective ones are compression gloves, which offer relief by providing gentle compression. This helps improve circulation in the affected area, brings down swelling, and promotes warmth.

Take note though—when it comes to compression gloves, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all. The key to getting all the benefits that it can provide is by making sure you choose the right one.

Here are some guidelines to consider:

1. Size

Make sure that you choose a glove that actually fits your hand. The ideal fit should provide gentle compression throughout the area. It should be snug enough to offer consistent pressure around joints, but still be comfortable enough that you are able to move your hands around. If it’s too loose, you fail to receive the benefits of compression therapy. To tight, and it might actually make your problem worse.

In a lot of cases, it takes a little bit of trial and error before you actually find the right fit. So be sure to purchase your gloves from a reliable and trusted brand who can accommodate your sizing requirements and assist you with finding the right pair for your needs.

2. Style

Gloves will come in a variety of features and colors. But there are a few key things to consider, regardless of what style you choose. To start, make sure that the gloves actually provide finger compression that targets the joints—this will ensure that you get the maximum benefits of compression, even if you opt for full fingered gloves, or open-fingertips.

3. Material

Material is also an important consideration. Thicker fabrics are ideal for colder weather, and the addition of copper into the fabric provides anti-bacterial properties perfect for all-day wear. For warmer weather, breathable, cotton fabrics are best to keep your hands more comfortable.

4. Reviews

When in doubt, read the reviews. Nothing gives you more perspective on a particular product than real world reviews. It also helps give you an idea of how well the brand will assist you in terms of questions regarding the product or your condition.

For options, consider Dr. Arthritis.

Dr. Arthritis is a brand known for their line of compression gloves. It has created a full line of compression gloves, sleeves and braces anchored on the founders’ experience and insight as medical practitioners.

The brand’s collection are made using a high quality blend of 88 percent copper nylon with 12 percent spandex—making it one of the products with the highest copper content available, and ensuring all-day comfort, as well as lightweight, cotton options.

Dr. Arthritis’ main mission is to improve the lives of people who suffer from joint and muscle pain—regardless if it’s because they suffer from conditions like arthritis or are recovering from an injury. The line was founded by two practicing medical doctors from Imperial College London, whose on-ground experience and medical expertise contributed to the development of the product.