TLDR: Gloves for Raynaud's disease reduce painful episodes by maintaining hand warmth and boosting circulation. Dr. Arthritis offers three doctor-developed options: Heated Mittens with microwavable flaxseed inserts for active heat therapy, Open-Finger Compression Gloves for daily tasks with full dexterity, and Copper Full-Finger Gloves for complete coverage. Each includes a physician-written handbook.

What Is Raynaud's Disease?

Raynaud's disease affects roughly 5% to 10% of Americans, with higher rates in colder climates. The condition causes blood vessels in fingers and toes to overreact to cold temperatures or stress. When triggered, small arteries narrow dramatically, cutting blood supply to the extremities.

During an attack, fingers turn white as blood drains away. They may shift to blue from oxygen deprivation, then red and painful as circulation returns. The whole episode can last minutes or hours. Pain ranges from mild tingling to sharp throbbing.

Two forms exist. Primary Raynaud's appears on its own, often affecting young women in their teens and twenties. Secondary Raynaud's develops alongside autoimmune conditions like scleroderma or lupus, typically striking after age 35. Both forms respond well to warmth-based prevention.

Why Gloves Matter for Raynaud's Sufferers

Cold triggers most Raynaud's attacks. Reaching into a freezer, holding a chilled drink, or stepping outside on a cool morning can set one off. Gloves for Raynaud's disease create a barrier between your skin and these triggers.

But not just any gloves work. Standard winter gloves often run too bulky, restricting movement and blood flow. Thin dress gloves lack adequate insulation. The ideal gloves for Raynaud's disease combine warmth retention, gentle compression to boost circulation, and enough flexibility for normal activities.

Prevention beats treatment. Wearing appropriate gloves before symptoms start works far better than trying to warm hands after an attack begins. Once blood vessels constrict, reversing the process takes significant time and effort.

Types of Gloves for Raynaud's Disease

Three main categories of gloves help manage Raynaud's symptoms. Each serves different needs and situations.

Heated gloves provide active warmth through microwavable inserts or battery power. They work best for treating active symptoms or preventing attacks before cold exposure. The Dr. Arthritis Heated Mittens use natural flaxseed inserts that heat in seconds and hold warmth for extended periods.

Compression gloves apply gentle pressure that stimulates blood flow. They prevent fluid buildup and reduce swelling. Many people wear them throughout the day, during work, or while sleeping. The Premium Compression Gloves (Open-Finger) allow tactile tasks while providing circulation support.

Thermal insulating gloves trap body heat without adding bulk. Copper-infused materials like those in the Copper Compression Gloves (Full-Fingered) reflect warmth back toward the skin while offering antimicrobial protection for all-day wear.

Dr. Arthritis Heated Mittens: Moist Heat Therapy

The Dr. Arthritis Heated Mittens deliver natural moist heat through microwavable flaxseed inserts. Heat the insert for 30 to 60 seconds, slide it into the mitten pocket, and experience immediate warming that lasts 15 to 30 minutes per session.

Moist heat penetrates deeper than dry heat. It relaxes blood vessels, encouraging them to dilate and restore circulation. The flaxseed filling distributes warmth evenly without creating hot spots that could damage sensitive Raynaud's-affected skin.

Lavender aromatherapy adds another dimension. Stress triggers Raynaud's attacks in many sufferers. Lavender has documented calming effects that reduce cortisol levels and ease tension. The scent remains subtle enough for home or office use.

Best for: Active heat therapy sessions at home or work, treating current symptoms, pre-warming hands before cold exposure, relaxation and stress relief, nighttime comfort.

Premium Compression Gloves (Open-Finger): Daily Dexterity

The Premium Compression Gloves (Open-Finger) balance warmth with functionality. The fingerless design exposes only the tips, allowing you to type, text, handle touchscreens, and perform detailed tasks without removing the gloves.

Gentle compression improves blood flow throughout the hand and palm. The snug fit prevents fluid accumulation that can worsen cold sensitivity. Unlike bulky winter gloves, these stay thin enough to wear under other gloves when extra protection becomes necessary.

People with both Raynaud's and arthritis benefit from dual-action relief. The compression addresses joint swelling while maintaining warmth. Breathable fabric prevents overheating during extended wear.

Best for: Office work and typing, daily activities requiring finger sensitivity, layering under heavier gloves, all-day wear at moderate temperatures, managing both Raynaud's and arthritis symptoms.

Copper Compression Gloves (Full-Fingered): Complete Coverage

The Copper Compression Gloves (Full-Fingered) offer maximum coverage with 88% copper-infused nylon. Copper fibers reflect body heat back toward the skin, creating a warming effect without external heat sources. The material also resists bacteria and odor, making these gloves practical for continuous wear.

Full-finger design protects every digit from cold triggers. The 12% spandex blend maintains flexibility despite complete coverage. Many users sleep in these gloves to prevent overnight attacks triggered by cool bedroom temperatures.

Copper has a long history in therapeutic applications. While research on copper-infused fabrics continues, many users report reduced inflammation and improved comfort. The durability of copper-nylon construction means these gloves maintain their compression and warmth through hundreds of washes.

Best for: Maximum warmth and coverage, sleeping, severe Raynaud's symptoms, cold environments, users who want antimicrobial protection, those who don't require exposed fingertips.

How Compression Therapy Works

Compression gloves apply graduated pressure—strongest at the fingers and decreasing toward the wrist. This design pushes blood back toward the heart, preventing pooling and stagnation in the extremities.

For Raynaud's sufferers, improved circulation means warmer hands. Blood carries heat from the body's core outward. When vessels constrict and blood flow slows, that heat delivery stops. Compression keeps blood moving, maintaining a steady warmth supply.

Swelling worsens Raynaud's symptoms. Excess fluid in tissues presses on blood vessels, making it even harder for blood to reach fingertips. Compression prevents this fluid accumulation, giving vessels clear pathways.

The pressure also stimulates sensory nerves. Some researchers believe this stimulation can override the faulty signals that trigger excessive vasoconstriction in Raynaud's patients.

Heat Therapy vs. Compression: When to Use Each

Active heat therapy works best during attacks or immediately before cold exposure. The Heated Mittens provide rapid warming when you need it most. Use them before grocery shopping, outdoor activities, or whenever you anticipate cold contact.

Compression gloves excel at prevention. Wear the Open-Finger or Full-Finger Compression Gloves throughout the day to maintain steady circulation. They catch problems before they escalate into full attacks.

Many users combine both approaches. Morning heat sessions with the Heated Mittens warm hands and get blood flowing. Compression gloves then maintain that circulation throughout the day. Evening heat therapy relaxes muscles and prepares hands for restful sleep.

Choosing the Right Fit

Proper sizing determines whether gloves for Raynaud's disease help or hinder. Too tight restricts the very blood flow you're trying to improve. Too loose fails to provide adequate compression or warmth retention.

Measure around your palm at the widest point, excluding the thumb. Use a flexible tape measure and keep it snug without pulling tight. Compare your measurement to the sizing chart for each product.

The gloves should feel snug but not painful. You want gentle pressure, not constriction. If your fingers tingle or go numb after putting on the gloves, try the next size up. If they slide around or gap at the wrist, size down.

Consider your activities. If you'll layer compression gloves under heavier winter gloves, you might prefer a slightly slimmer fit. For standalone wear, a more relaxed fit allows comfortable extended use.

Daily Management Strategies

Keep multiple pairs of gloves for Raynaud's disease in different locations. Stash a pair at work, in your car, by the front door, and near the refrigerator. Cold triggers arrive without warning—having protection within reach prevents scrambling during an attack.

Put gloves on before going outside, not after. Once your hands get cold, reversal takes much longer than prevention. The same applies to reaching into freezers or handling cold items. Slip on your gloves first.

Establish a morning routine. Many Raynaud's sufferers wake with cold hands. A few minutes with the Heated Mittens gets circulation moving before you face the day.

Pay attention to your wrists. Blood vessels run close to the surface there. Covering your wrists helps prevent heat loss from the entire hand. Full-coverage compression gloves or long-cuffed options offer this benefit.

Lifestyle Changes That Help

Gloves address symptoms, but broader lifestyle adjustments reduce attack frequency. Quit smoking if you haven't already. Nicotine constricts blood vessels—the exact problem Raynaud's creates. Even secondhand smoke exposure can trigger episodes.

Limit caffeine and alcohol. Both affect circulation in ways that can worsen symptoms. You don't need to eliminate them entirely, but notice whether consumption correlates with attacks.

Manage stress. Emotional upset triggers Raynaud's attacks in some people. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques all help. The lavender aromatherapy in the Heated Mittens supports this stress-reduction goal.

Check your medications. Beta-blockers, migraine drugs, birth control pills, and some cold remedies narrow blood vessels. If you suspect a medication connection, discuss alternatives with your doctor. Never stop prescribed medications without medical guidance.

When to See a Doctor

Raynaud's usually responds well to self-care measures like gloves and lifestyle changes. However, certain signs warrant medical attention.

Seek evaluation if attacks cause sores or skin ulcers on your fingers. Tissue damage indicates severe circulation problems that may need medication. If one hand develops symptoms while the other stays normal, that asymmetry suggests an underlying condition worth investigating.

Raynaud's appearing after age 35 often signals secondary causes. Autoimmune diseases, thyroid problems, and other conditions can trigger it. Your doctor can test for these possibilities and recommend appropriate treatment.

If gloves and conservative measures fail to control your symptoms, prescription medications can help. Calcium channel blockers and other drugs improve blood flow to extremities. These work best alongside, not instead of, protective gloves.

Real User Experiences

Thousands of people with Raynaud's disease have found relief with Dr. Arthritis products. Users particularly appreciate the doctor-developed approach—each product includes a physician-written handbook explaining the science behind the therapy and tips for maximum benefit.

The dual-purpose design appeals to those managing multiple conditions. Many Raynaud's sufferers also have arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Arthritis gloves address overlapping symptoms without requiring separate products for each condition.

Practical details matter to everyday users. Machine-washable materials simplify care. Breathable fabrics prevent the sweaty hands that can worsen cold sensitivity when you remove the gloves. Discreet styling allows wearing compression gloves in professional settings without drawing attention.

Product Comparison Guide

Dr. Arthritis Heated Mittens — Price: $31.95. Features: Microwavable flaxseed inserts, lavender aromatherapy, moist heat therapy. Ideal for: Active treatment sessions, relaxation, pre-warming before cold exposure.

Premium Compression Gloves (Open-Finger) — Price: $11.95. Features: Open fingertip design, gentle compression, breathable fabric. Ideal for: Office work, typing, touchscreens, daily wear, layering.

Copper Compression Gloves (Full-Fingered) — Price: $11.95. Features: 88% copper nylon, antimicrobial, full coverage. Ideal for: Maximum warmth, sleeping, severe symptoms, extended wear.

All three products include the Dr. Arthritis Handbook and qualify for free shipping on orders over $30 from doctorarthritis.org.

Getting Started with Dr. Arthritis Gloves

New users should start with whichever product best matches their primary need. If attacks are your main concern, begin with the Heated Mittens. If you need all-day protection while working, try the Open-Finger Compression Gloves. For maximum coverage and overnight wear, choose the Copper Full-Finger Gloves.

Many users eventually own all three. Different situations call for different solutions. Having options means you're prepared regardless of circumstances.

Read the included handbook. The physician-authored guide explains how to get the most benefit from your specific product. It covers proper use, timing, duration, and warning signs to watch for.