Do Arthritis Gloves Work? - The Complete Guide

Yes, arthritis gloves DO work!

They are a simple way to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. They are easy to use and have no side effects, which not even the safest medications can claim. Arthritis gloves are designed to be worn both at night and during the day, which means you’ll wake up free of pain and ready to take on the world, knowing your arthritis gloves will keep your hands feeling great all day. Now that you know the answer to Do arthritis gloves work? read on to find out how they improve arthritis symptoms and the benefits you can expect from a good pair of arthritis gloves.

How Do Arthritis Gloves Work?

Arthritis gloves—also known as RA (rheumatoid arthritis) gloves or therapy gloves—work by warming the hands, providing compression, and improving circulation. Taken together, these three aspects provide some stellar benefits:

• Reduce swelling in hand and fingers
• Alleviate hand pain
• Reduce stiffness and improve finger flexibility
• Improve grip strength

The way arthritis gloves work is so simple it seems too good to be true! But these three factors are massive for alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. A good pair of gloves treats the root causes of pain to help your hands feel and function better. Beyond improving arthritis symptoms, these gloves can also help people with cold hands and wrist pain find comfort.

How Long Does It Take for Gloves to Help Arthritis?

Because arthritis gloves utilize compression to reduce swelling, you’ll notice reduced pain and improved mobility after the first wear! If you opt for a pair of gloves that include support (glove splints), you’ll notice instant relief of the pain in your joints.

Long-term, consistent use of your arthritis gloves will result in even greater benefits. Your hands will feel better and more mobile. You’ll have greater joint flexibility and greatly reduced pain. Plus, there are no possible side effects for these amazing benefits! Overall, arthritis gloves are the simplest, easiest way to relieve your arthritis pain.

When to Wear Arthritis Gloves

Fingerless arthritis gloves allow you to manage your pain all day, even while using your phone. ( Image Reference)

When determining the best time of day to wear arthritis gloves, you’ll want to consider your personal routine and habits. But it’s best to stick with the eight-hour rule. To get the most benefit from your arthritis gloves, you’ll want to wear them for about eight hours straight.

The Best Time to Wear Gloves for Arthritis:

While you sleep! Wearing your gloves for short periods throughout the day won’t give you the same level of pain relief. Because of this, many people get the most benefits when choosing to wear their arthritis gloves at night. But arthritis gloves can be so comfortable and discreet there’s no reason not to wear them during the day. With the fingerless option, you’ll even be able to type and use your phone.

Types of Arthritis Gloves

Arthritis gloves are a simple, effective way to relieve your pain. But what kind do you need? With all the options out there, choosing the best arthritis gloves can seem like a chore. To help you make the best decision for you, we’ve listed some popular types of arthritis gloves with pros and cons.

Thermal Arthritis Gloves

Keep your hands warm with thermal arthritis gloves to improve circulation and relieve pain. ( Image Reference)

Thermal arthritis gloves are all about providing warmth, which improves circulation and joint flexibility. These gloves will keep you from waking up with sore, stiff fingers.

Arthritis Glove Splints

For those with hand or finger weakness, glove splints provide support to relieve pain and prevent injury. ( Image Reference)

Glove splints give your fingers extra support. If you have weak hands and fingers, these arthritis gloves can protect you from sustaining an injury—which is the last thing you need on top of arthritis pain!

Also try a thumb brace for arthritis. Click here to see our top picks.

Pros:

• Support hands and fingers
• Prevent injury

Cons:

• Reduced range of motion can make daily tasks difficult

Arthritis Compression Gloves

Arthritis gloves with compression go the distance for alleviating hand pain. ( Image Reference)

Most arthritis gloves you come across will have some form of compression. You'll find compression gloves for rheumatoid arthritis and compression gloves for swelling, which improves joint mobility and alleviates pain. Remember, sizing is key with compression. Too loose and the gloves won’t work. Too tight and they’ll be painful.

Pros:

• Reduce swelling
• Improve joint mobility
• Alleviate pain

Cons:

• Poor sizing results in lack of effectiveness or pain

Fingerless Arthritis Gloves

Fingerless arthritis gloves are a fantastic choice for convenience, so you can relieve your pain while performing daily activities. ( Image Reference)

If you like to wear your arthritis gloves during the day and need a full range of motion and good grip, you may opt for fingerless, or “open-finger,” arthritis gloves. Look for a pair that covers at least your first finger joint for the most support possible, like these arthritis compression gloves.

Pros:

• Allow a better range of motion
• Retain grip and sense of touch for daily activities

Cons:

• Not as supportive or beneficial as full-finger gloves

Who Should Consider Arthritis Gloves?

Arthritis pain is frustrating and interferes with your life, but a pair of arthritis gloves can help. ( Image Reference)

If you have arthritis, chances are you should consider a pair of arthritis gloves! If any of these describe you, you’ll likely reap the benefits of arthritis gloves.

• You have rheumatoid arthritis.
• You have osteoarthritis.
• You have fibromyalgia.
• Your hands hurt while you’re trying to sleep.
• You wake up in the mornings with painful hands and fingers.
• You suffer from joint stiffness and limited mobility.
• Your fingers are swollen and puffy.

Be sure to speak with your doctor about using arthritis gloves. Discuss your treatment options, and decide if arthritis gloves are a good solution to manage your pain.

When to Avoid Wearing Arthritis Gloves

In some cases, arthritis gloves can actually do more harm than good. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, arthritis gloves can make your symptoms worse. Speak to your doctor to determine the best treatment option for you, and try a carpal tunnel brace instead.

5 Tips for Wearing Arthritis Gloves

You can wear arthritis gloves day or night, but they are meant to be worn over periods of about eight hours to get the best results. That means sleeping in their gloves is the most convenient choice for most people. Since arthritis gloves are comfortable, that’s not a problem! You’ll be able to curl up and sleep well with toasty, pain-free hands. And you’ll wake up in the morning ready to go about your day. To get the most pain relief from your arthritis gloves, follow these tips.

1. Make sure your gloves fit well, not too tight or too loose. This will help the compression do its job.
2. Wear them for about eight hours at a time, consistently. Wearing them a little here or there won’t provide the benefits you’re looking for.
3. Don’t keep your hands still all day. Gentle movement can help maintain good mobility and alleviate arthritis symptoms.
4. Modify your habitual behavior to reduce the amount of strain you put on your joints. Pay attention to the positions your hands are in.
5. Don’t wear arthritis gloves if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, as arthritis gloves can exacerbate the condition. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Do arthritis gloves work? You bet!

If you suffer from arthritis pain, you’ve tried medication and exercises. But sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Arthritis gloves are effective and easy to use. Since you can wear them while you sleep, they work easily into your life. You won’t have to adjust your schedule, go out of your way, or risk nasty side effects. All you have to do is slip on a comfortable pair of gloves and feel the relief! But if you’re still wondering Do arthritis gloves work? be sure to talk to your doctor before making any decisions. By improving circulation, reducing swelling, and warming your hands, a pair of arthritis gloves may just make you forget you have arthritis at all. So go ahead, get yourself a pair. And tell your friends… They really work!

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/ra-gloves