Top 6 Best Gloves To Get Relief From Arthritis in 2020

Dealing with pain, joint stiffness and swelling in the hands can be distressing. Instead of solely depending on the medication which have side effects, you can get relief with arthritis gloves.

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They not only reduce arthritis symptoms but also improve blood circulation to increase joint mobility. A study conducted by University of Maryland Medical Center has confirmed the same. (1)

Why are they so effective…?

These gloves are specially designed to provide compression and heat. The compression will improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation and ease the pain. Using it regularly can even improve joint movement too.

If you want to purchase a pair of arthritis gloves, you will come across several choices available in the market. Unfortunately, a wrong choice among them may not provide relief you are expecting. So, it is important to choose the best as per your requirement.

In order to help you with that, our expert team has come up with a guide that will help you choose the best among the best. You can read it “HERE“.

List of Best Arthritis Gloves

Among the all above arthritis gloves, “Thermoskin Premium Arthritic Gloves” have taken the first place. They use both compression and heat to provide relief from pain, swelling and stiffness. Apart from that, its other features like adjustable Velcro straps, several sizes, and others make it a perfect choice. And moreover it is reasonably priced too.

1. Thermoskin Premium Arthritic Gloves

Thermoskin has grabbed the first place in our list because it uses both light compression and heat therapy to provide relief from pain and inflammation. Apart from that, it also has an adjustable size setting which is very useful for people whose severity of inflammation changes daily.

They are clinically tested for durability, comfort and relief. With firm compression, the muscle and skin temperature will increase which leads to improved blood circulation. Their trioxon advantage includes 3-dimensional lining which allows air circulation and prevents moisture from accumulating. The griptex black-colored outer lining ensures a firm grip.

It has open fingers which allow users to do their everyday task without any worries. Compared to others, it comes in varied sizes that include: x, m, l, xl, and xxl. Thermoskin arthritic gloves not only reduce swelling and pain but also ease sore joints.

Pros:

• Great for driving, gardening and other everyday activities.
• Adjustable Velcro straps.
• Heat therapy reduces pain and swelling.
• Anatomically shaped to provide warmth and even compression.
• Increases elasticity and reactivity of muscles.

Cons:

• If worn for really long hours then you may experience sweaty hands.
• Fabric is a bit rigid.

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2. Copper Compression Arthritis Gloves

These gloves have the highest amount of copper than any other arthritis gloves in the market. And moreover, they have used copper ions instead of copper oxide. Pure copper is very helpful in relieving pain and swelling.

Other benefits of copper compression gloves are that they are non-restricting. They are fingerless which allows maximum dexterity. Though they are not so bulky, they can still provide a full range of motion to stay mobile and active. These gloves are best suited for rheumatoid arthritis as they not only support the hands but also get rid of pain too.

As they reduce stiffness, pain, and swelling, you can work more and barely feel any pain. They are available in 3 sizes: small, medium, and large. It also helps to relieve numbness and tingling in the hands.

Pros:

• Highest copper content.
• Comfortable and great compression.
• Fingerless for better mobility to do everyday tasks.
• 100% money back guarantee.

Cons:

• Not adjustable.
• Compression not as strong as others.

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3. IMAK Compression Active Arthritis Gloves

IMAK compression arthritis gloves are probably the most popular gloves. It is designed and developed by an orthopedic surgeon. This unique design reduces pain, promotes healing, and improves circulation with ease and comfort.

They are made up of 92% cotton and 8% spandex. The soft and breathable cotton maintain elasticity overtime. The open finger will allow enough freedom to touch, feel and grip things easily. It provides mild compression to decrease swelling of the joints.

The breathable cotton material ensures proper air circulation so your hands will be dry. They fit to your hands perfectly without causing pain while moving the fingers.

Pros:

• Ease of use seal of Arthritis Foundation.
• Designed by an orthopedic surgeon.
• Natural, sleek appearance.

Cons:

• Not adjustable.
• Tag is lumpy.

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4. Copper Compression Full Finger Arthritis Gloves

These heated arthritis gloves use high copper content and compression to provide relief from inflammation. As it contains copper ions, it has the capability of providing warmth and comfort which allow a full range of motion. It helps your muscles to work and strengthen.

The fabric used to make these gloves is of high quality so it is comfortable to wear even for long periods of time. One of the reasons, we love the copper compression gloves is that they are non-restricting. They are soft and easy to move around in. These gloves are best suited for people suffering with rheumatoid arthritis because they not only get rid of temporary pain but also support the hands.

These gloves have excellent grip on things. They hug your fingers nice and tight as your second skin without causing any discomfort.

Pros:

• Highest copper content available.
• Sleek and stylish look.
• Great compression and comfort.
• Excellent grip which allows ease of holding things.
• Best suited for rheumatoid arthritis.

Cons:

• Not adjustable.
• Compression not so strong when compared to others.

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5. OpeCking Arthritis Gloves

If you are looking for arthritis gloves with copper infused compression then you have to try OpeCking. These gloves contain 88% copper infused nylon and 22% lycra material. It is quite breathable, easy to wear, elastic, soft and light weight. As the fabric is breathable, the proper air circulation will make sure your hands are not sweaty.

It is best suited for people suffering from arthritis, stiff muscles, carpal tunnel, tendons, and sport injuries. The manufacturer has upgraded the cobwebs so that it doesn’t peel off even after many uses and washes. The tight sewing seam ensures the gloves will not fall apart.

The updated cobwebs shape silica gel will also enhance the blood circulation and oxygenation of the blood. These gloves are extremely effective in managing pain and swelling.

Pros:

• 88% copper infused lycra.
• Tight sewing to ensure the seam doesn’t fall apart.
• Best suited for arthritis, stiff muscles, tendons and sport injuries.
• Upgraded cobwebs shape silica gel.

Cons:

• Some people didn’t like the nylon fabric.

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6. NatraCure Arthritis Warming Mittens

Last but not the least of our list is naturacure arthritis warming mittens. These gloves are a bit different than the others mentioned in this article. Their appearance resembles the mittens. The inner layer of these gloves contain a formula of 7 therapeutic botanical oils: grape seed oil, jojoba oil, soybean oil, avocado oil, canola oil, olive oil and mineral oil.

The therapeutic oils are effective in increasing blood circulation, promoting bone health, relieving stiffness and also act as natural pain killer. These arthritis mittens should be place in microwave for few seconds in order to activate the inner smart gel. The warmness of these mittens soothes the stiff joints, calms muscle spasms, reduces inflammation and improves range of circulation.

Pros:

• An alternative for professional wax treatments.
• Smart gel infused with 7 therapeutic oils.
• Increases blood circulation.

Cons:

• May not be comfortable for doing certain tasks.

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Best Golf Gloves for Arthritis

Some people stay away from playing golf as their fingers don’t support them. But with arthritis gloves, you will no longer have to stay away from it. These gloves are specially designed to comfort the swollen fingers, ease the pain and provide mobility.

Below are the two best arthritis gloves for playing gloves…

7. Bionic Men’s ReliefGrip Golf Glove

Bionic is a leading manufacturer of golf equipment. Among their wide range of products, they also have arthritis gloves specially designed for playing gloves. As per the manufacturer, they are designed by a leading orthopedic hand surgeon.

A high quality material is used for making them so that it fits like the second skin to your hands. These gloves have relief pads which are perfectly positioned to even the hand surface. This anatomical relief system distributes the pressure uniformly and increases the hand strength.

It has a pre-rotated finger design which enables your fingers to rotate towards the center of your hand – this provides more effortless and comfortable grip.

Motion zones over the knuckles and web zones between the fingers are developed using Lycra which provides flexibility. This also helps to keep the hands cool and dry all the day.

Pros:

• Improved grip.
• Anatomical pad system.
• Orthopedic motion zones.
• Pre-rotated finger design.
• Form-fitting wristband support.
• Natural flexion zones.
• Developed by orthopedic surgeon.

Cons:

• Seams may get ripped after sometime.

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8. Copper Tech Gloves Pocketec Golf MLH

These gloves are perfect for people who want to play golf because of their innovative design and comfortability. Pocketec golf gloves have a patented one size which fits perfectly for everyone. Each of these gloves have a multi-step quality control process which makes sure they provide all the benefits.

The infused copper material expands and contracts for fitting the hands of players. The men’s version gloves will fit from small to xlarge and ladies version will fit small to xlarge.

The patented pending design will provide perfect compression which improves blood circulation, reduces soreness and relieve pain. The infused copper fabric provides their healing properties to the affected parts of the hand. They have a non-slip silicon weave pattern palm which provide ultimate grip.

Pros:

• Patented design.
• One size fits all.
• Non-slip weave pattern.
• Ultimate grip and performance.
• In-built high grade copper fabric.
• Improves blood circulation, movement and eases pain.

Cons:

• Makes a bit hot.

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What are Arthritis Gloves?

They are also known as therapy gloves or rheumatoid arthritis gloves. They are specially designed and developed for people who suffer with arthritis. Its innovative design provides pressure gently on the affected area for improving blood circulation – which in turn helps in reducing inflammation and easing the pain. Though they may not treat the problem or improve the movement of hands completely – but they are helpful in reducing the pain and improving the grip of fingers.

Are Arthritis Gloves Really Helpful?

Yes, they are. As per a study published in Journal of Therapeutic Advances in Muskoskeletal Disease 2014, has determined and explained the effectiveness of therapeutic gloves. This has been concluded after reviewing 7 clinical trials and 1 case study conducted on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. As per the review, therapy gloves reduced stiffness, swelling and other symptoms. (source)

How do Arthritis Gloves Work?

These gloves soothe the pain in fingers caused by arthritis. Their special innovative structure act as cushion for inflamed joints. As heat will be trapped within the gloves, it also acts as a warm compress for reducing pain and swelling.

Some of the products come with balms or lotions which should be applied on the hands before wearing the gloves. This application will provide warmth to the fingers to relieve stiffness.

Some of the arthritis gloves also have in-built infrared therapy system which also maintains heat and warmth. Usually, these types of gloves are made up of bio-ceramic fibers which emit infrared rays that generates and maintains heat within the glove.

As the gloves provide compression, warm up hands and increase blood circulation, the patients will experience decrease in pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Some of the benefits of using these gloves are…

• Decrease in swelling of hands and fingers.
• Reduction in stiffness.
• Improvement in finger flexibility.
• Improvement in strength and grip.

The simple working principle of arthritis gloves is very simple. However, its impact and effectiveness is massive. Apart from arthritis symptoms, these gloves are also helpful in dealing with wrist pain and cold hands.

Things to Consider While Choosing Arthritis Gloves

With a varied choice available in the market, it is very easy to get confused. So, we have listed down some important factors you have to consider while selecting arthritis gloves.

1. Types of Arthritis Gloves

Several types of arthritis gloves have been designed based on what may help relieve your symptoms.

• Thermal Gloves: They keep the hands warm by taking body heat or external heat. They are helpful for reducing pain and inflammation.
• Glove Splints: These developed to improve grip as they provide extra support.
• Compression Gloves: They use slight pressure on the hands to reduce pain in the hands.
• Combination gloves: These are a combination of above mentioned types.

Based on the requirements, you can select the appropriate gloves for you. Some companies also add copper to the compression gloves. Copper may be helpful in relieving arthritis symptoms as it improve blood circulation, heal inflamed joints, and accelerate muscle as well as joint healing.

2. Length of the gloves

Now-a-days arthritis gloves are coming in different lengths that vary from open fingers to completely covered fingers. Choose any one as per your comfort and convenience.

3. Fabric

Check out the material used for making the gloves. Look out for breathable fabrics for proper air circulation. Non-breathable fabrics can make your hands sweaty and uncomfortable. Breathable fabrics are often comfortable to wear so, you can wear them for long period of time which means great relief. Also make sure the material is anti-slip and anti-itch. Anti-slip ensures you are able to grab certain items without worry of slipping them.

Most of the gloves available in the market are made up of Lycra. As it is completely breathable and stretchable, your hands will be light while maintaining the warmth and compression. Another most common material used is neoprene which is also light in weight and elastic with a lining that helps in locking the heat and decreasing the inflammation. People with tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome can use these type and get benefits.

4. Proper Fitting

Gloves should never be too tight or loose. If you are unaware of the exact size then measure the circumference of your hand in inches. This will be your exact size. Or else, ask your therapists to let you know the right size. For maximum relief, use gloves that cover your finger joints.

5. Stitching

As the gloves are compression fitted and you will be wearing them for a longer period of time, make sure the gloves have minimal stitching as stitching seams are perfectly placed or else it can cause uneasiness.

Different Types of Arthritis Gloves

Basically, there are 3 types of arthritis gloves which include – thermal arthritis gloves, glove splints, compression gloves and fingerless gloves.

1. Thermal Arthritis Gloves

These gloves are great for people who are experiencing a difficulty in managing joint stiffness caused by arthritis. They provide warmness which is goof for improving blood circulation and joint flexibility. They prevent sores and stiff fingers, especially in the morning after waking up. However, they are not suitable for warm weather condition or if you get hot while sleeping.

2. Glove Splints for Arthritis

These are recommended for people who have weak hands and fingers that need additional support to prevent any injuries and for those who require high levels of finger mobility – like typing, carrying items, grasping small objects on a daily basis.

3. Compression Gloves

Most of the arthritis gloves have at least some form of compression. But if you are dealing with rheumatoid arthritis then select these gloves because they provide more compression to deal with the swelling, pain and joint mobility. Whenever you select gloves remember that size plays an important role when it comes to compression. If the gloves are too loose then they will not be effective. If they are too tight then they are too painful. So, choose wisely for proper results.

4. Fingerless Gloves for Arthritis

If you are looking for gloves that can be worn during the day for full range of motion and proper grip then this type is what you have to choose. They are also known as open-finger gloves. These gloves are perfect for people who want to wear them while performing daily activities like grasping small objects or typing. However, they are not as supportive and beneficial as full-finger gloves. While purchasing them make sure they are at least have first finger covered for maximum support.

Advantages of Using Arthritis Gloves

There are several benefits of using arthritis gloves. We have mentioned them below for your knowledge.

1. Relieving Chronic or Severe Pain

Most of the people with arthritis suffer from its symptoms daily throughout their lives. Sometimes, they depend on medications to get relief from chronic pain. But in most of the situation pain can be relieved by wearing arthritis gloves. They help you manage the severe pain and make the daily tasks less difficult to do which ultimately improves quality of life.

2. Boosts Blood Circulation

Vasculitis (inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels) is a possible side effect of having arthritis. This condition leads to blockage of blood flow in the legs and pain. This ultimately leads to pain and impaired hand function. Wearing compression gloves helps to increase blood circulation and manage the pain.

3. Easy to Use

These gloves are very simple, small, inexpensive and easy to wear. Arthritis gloves help people to perform daily tasks with ease.

4. Doing Everyday Activities

Dealing with pain and joint immobility can be frustrating. They make it difficult to perform even simple everyday activities. Arthritis gloves help to improve functionality by reducing inflammation and pain.

5. Nil Side Effects

Usually, any medication can have at least few side effects. But arthritis gloves will not lead to any side effects. People can wear them regardless of their age.

How to Take Care of Arthritis Gloves?

As you will be using the gloves daily, you have to maintain them properly. Here are few tips for the same…

• Wash the gloves regularly to remove the dirt, bacteria and oil accumulated on it. This also helps to restore the elasticity.
• Compression gloves cane be either hand washed or machine washed. If washing in a machine then make sure to put it in a mesh lingerie bag as it prevents the snagging.
• Wash them only on gentle cycle. Avoid suing hot or lukewarm water.
• Don’t use harsh detergents to wash the gloves as they can damage the fibers. Use only mild detergents and soaps that are free from bleach and chlorine.
• Don’t dry the gloves in the machine. Prefer air dry because machine heat can weaken and damage the fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Should I Wear Arthritis Gloves?

RA gloves or rheumatoid gloves can be worn for 8 hours straight. Most appropriate time to wear them is at night. Make sure to avoid wearing them for more than recommended. However, you may not experience results if they are not worn for recommended time.

Some people only choose to wear gloves for 1 hour. Changes or results cannot be achieved with occasional usage. Make sure the gloves fit perfectly (no too lose or tight). If fitting is not proper then you will not observe any benefits from it.

2. How to Achieve Maximum Relief from Arthritis Gloves?

If you want to grab maximum benefits from RA gloves then you have to follow some tips which are mentioned below for your convenience…

• Make sure the fitting is proper. If they are too loose or too tight then you will not achieve any result from wearing it. If you need help feel free to ask your doctor or therapist.
• Always stick to 8 hour timing. You will achieve any benefit wearing them the recommend time period.
• If you have carpal tunnel syndrome then it is better to discuss with your doctor before using these gloves. Because the symptoms can get worse if they are worn at night.
• Avoid keeping your hands still all day long. Move them gently for some time at regular intervals for improving the mobility.
• Make sure to reduce the strains on joints. Pay close attention to the position your hands are placed.

3. How Long Does It Take to Get Results With Arthritis Gloves?

Usually, you will observe improved mobility, reduced swelling and pain from first wear itself. If you are wearing glove splints then you will notice instant relief from the pain. Using it consistently will provide greater benefits in long term. Your hands will feel more free and mobile. They don’t have any side effects. And moreover they are the simplest and easiest way to reduce pain.

4. Which Time is Better to Wear Arthritis Gloves?

To determine the best time, you should first consider your personal habits and routine. For achieving maximum benefits, you have to wear them for 8 hours straight. If you wear the gloves for less amount of time then you will not achieve relief.

These gloves are developed for wearing 8 hours (usually the amount time you sleep). So, if you wear them overnight then you will observe difference in…

• Swelling – compression will reduce puffiness.
• Pain – if worn at night then you will feel less pain.
• Joint stiffness – fingers will be easier to move.
• Hand usability – grip will be improved. However, you will not get nimble.

The effectiveness of the glove depends on the how you react to it. They may help you relieve symptoms but they don’t completely treat arthritis.

5. Who Are Suitable for Wearing Arthritis Gloves?

If you have arthritis then there is a chance you require a pair of arthritis gloves. If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms then you will achieve relief from these gloves.

• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Fibromyalgia.
• If the hands hurt while trying to sleep.
• If your hands and finger hurt after waking up.
• Experiencing joint stiffness or limited mobility.
• If you have swollen or puffy fingers.

However we recommend to consulting a doctor to discuss your problem and decide if these gloves are good for you or not.

6. Who Should Avoid Using Arthritis Gloves?

In some cases, arthritis gloves can be harmful and worsen the problem. For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome then they are not good as symptoms get worsened. So, talk to doctor to know if your situation is suitable for wearing arthritis gloves or not.

7. Can I Use Regular Gloves to Reduce Arthritis Pain?

You may feel a little relief from regular cotton gloves but not as effective as the ones that are specially designed for the problems. Usually, people use regular gloves after applying medicated creams to protect it from wearing off. You can consider this technique before going to sleep.

Conclusion

With arthritis gloves, you can now freely complete everyday tasks without depending on others. You can also get relief from pain, stiffness, and inflammation. As per our review, “Thermoskin Premium Arthritic Gloves” are the best choice.

Further, if you have any queries or concerns, write to us in the comment section below. Our experts will reply to them as soon as possible.