Compressed gloves: what they do and how they work

Anyone who has experienced joint pain or stiffness due to rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis may be willing to try all kinds of treatments to relieve the pain. Compression gloves have emerged as an affordable, non-invasive treatment option for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis. But do they really work? Talk to your doctor before trying compression gloves to learn about the potential contraindications to these products.

How compression gloves work

Compression gloves can relieve some users' symptoms by applying light pressure to the knuckles. This "squeezing" effect improves blood circulation and reduces symptoms such as pain and stiffness. But what does the study show?

In general, clinical studies on the effectiveness of compression gloves have not yielded statistically significant results. Most studies included only a small number of patients and relied on patient feedback to assess the effectiveness of gloves, but some also measured factors such as grip strength. Many of these small studies reported that compression gloves reduced swelling in the hands of study participants and improved range of motion and grip strength. However, these conclusions are carefully considered because small sample sizes have no statistical significance. Larger studies with more patient controls are needed.

Gloves do not affect the progression of arthritis, except that they may relieve the symptoms of arthritis, nor do they prevent pre-existing joint damage or "healing" damage. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are chronic diseases that usually progress over time, even with medical intervention. However, compression gloves can help you perform activities of daily living by reducing the stiffness and swelling of your fingers.

If you have pain or swelling in the small joints of your hands, you may suffer from arthritis, which can make your life difficult. It is recommended to wear compression gloves to relieve pain and swelling and help in daily life.

How compression gloves can help

Try all the different types of gloves to find the one that suits you. Things that keep your hands warm. These are called heat. The other provides additional support. These are called glove sprints. The compression type applies pressure to the aching finger or wrist joint. You can choose gloves with a combination of different functions.

It not only relieves symptoms, but also helps to relax and calm down. Gloves do not help reuse your hands, but they can improve grip.

Gloves are designed for 8 hours-about the time you go to bed. Therefore, if you leave them overnight, you may see the following differences:

• swelling. Compressed gloves are useful for puffy fingers.
  
• Hand pain. Wearing it at night may reduce damage to your hands during sleep.
• Stiff joints. Your fingers will be easier to move in the morning.
• Please use your hands. Grip is better, but agility is not.

Compressed gloves and how effective they really are depend on you and how you react to them. They may help one symptom, but not another. Or it may not work at all.

Maximum mitigation tips

Make sure the gloves are correct. If it is too tight or too loose, you may not get the benefit of wearing it. Talk to your doctor or therapist if you need help with your fitness.

Stick to the 8-hour rule. If you wear it here and there for an hour, you probably won't see any change.

Main types of compression gloves

Compression gloves for arthritis were introduced in the 1970s. Today you can find a variety of gloves with additional features other than compression. The main types of gloves for treating arthritis are:

• Copper compression gloves
  
• Heated compression gloves

These products are widely available from many retailers and are generally considered safe to use. However, compression gloves can exacerbate other health symptoms, including skin conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, Raynaud's syndrome, and dermatitis. In general, it is advisable to consult a doctor before trying arthritic gloves to make sure the treatment is harmless.

How to choose compression gloves

If you decide to try compression gloves, you have a variety of options available. It can be overwhelming and difficult to choose. Before choosing a particular product, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are gloves easy to maintain? Can they be washed and dried?
  
• Are products available in multiple sizes to ensure a fit?
  
• Is the product comfortable? Does the fabric look itchy or your hands sweat?
  
• Is there a return policy if the gloves do not fit, are defective or have no profit?
  

All compression gloves rely primarily on compression to relieve symptoms. Some argue that copper bracelets and products containing copper can improve the symptoms of arthritis, but there is currently no research to support this theory. Heated compression gloves may offer some additional benefits. Hyperthermia may increase blood circulation to the affected joints and reduce stiffness. A mere brand name for compressed gloves that have been designated as "ease of use" by the Arthritis Foundation.

You may need to try several different types of compression gloves before finding the best gloves for you. These devices can relieve the symptoms of arthritis in many people and you may find yourself in them.