The most common gloves on the market for carpal tunnel syndrome relief are compression gloves, thermal gloves, and splint gloves, all of which have advantages and disadvantages. This article summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of these three types of gloves in order to help you choose the right gloves for you.
How Compression Gloves Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
compression gloves
The purpose of compression gloves is twofold. These gloves help improve circulation throughout the hand and wrist, while also managing or reducing minor pain. Compression gloves and other arthritic gloves are also beneficial for people with joint inflammation, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
If your hands, wrists, or fingers cramp frequently, a pair of compression gloves can help. Gloves do need to fit your hand well, though, for maximum impact.
The average price for compression gloves is between $10 and $30.
- Helps reduce hand cramps, swelling and pain
- Offers varying degrees of compression, from mild to firm or ultra-firm
- Beneficial for those who often perform repetitive tasks with their hands, such as typing or playing console or computer games
- Fingerless compression gloves allow interaction with touchscreen devices
- May Help Reduce Carpal Tunnel Pain
- Disadvantages of Compression Gloves
- If there is too much pressure, or if the gloves are ill-fitting, they may restrict movement
- Certain materials may attract fluff or pet hair
Available in a variety of sizes, these comfortable compression gloves are perfect for those who do their daily work throughout the day. In particular, they are ideal for those who regularly lift weights, play computer games, exercise, or need them for medical reasons. Made from a blend of cotton, spandex and nylon, they're flexible enough for everyday work.
This highly durable compression glove is also warm enough for cooler temperatures. With mild compression, they relieve inflammation and joint pain. They are a bit small but breathable and comfortable for everyday wear.
Thermal gloves can also relieve joint pain and stiffness and are warmer than other types of arthritis gloves. For this reason, they are often recommended for overnight use, as they prevent your hands from cramping or becoming stiff from the cold.
Thermal gloves work by regulating the temperature in the wearer's hands. There are several different styles of thermal gloves, but they all work in a similar way. Some thermal gloves have a thin insulating lining that keeps your hands warm without restricting movement. Other options have thicker linings and are best for cooler temperatures and people who don't need to move their hands and fingers much.
On average, thermal gloves cost between $15 and $40.
Thermal Gloves Professionals
- Great for people with arthritis or stiff joints in the morning
- Helps maintain body temperature and keep cold air out to reduce hand pain and discomfort
- Some people have specialized fingertips to work on touchscreen devices
- Certain materials are waterproof
- Disadvantages of Thermal Gloves
- Wearing during the day may limit range of motion
- Thicker thermal gloves are too warm for hotter climates or spring or summer use
- Precise tasks can be difficult when wearing thicker thermal gloves
These thermal gloves capture your natural body temperature to reduce arthritis pain in your hands. These gloves feature a textured outer layer for extra grip, providing the necessary compression and warmth to promote blood flow and aid recovery. They're also not too thick, making them perfect for warmer temperatures.
These compression and thermal gloves are designed for men and women to relieve carpal tunnel and arthritis. They are flexible enough for repetitive tasks like typing, sports or gaming. Plus, while they do help regulate the temperature of your hands and wrists, they're not so thick that they overheat you.
splint gloves
Although similar in many ways to compression gloves, splint gloves are designed to prevent certain movements that can cause greater stress, strain, or pain. Depending on the design, splint gloves can enable or restrict movement of the fingers, thumb or wrist.
Regardless of the design, the main purpose of a splint glove is to relieve pain and keep your hand, wrist and fingers in the ideal position. Like compression gloves, they also help reduce joint stiffness and swelling.
Splint gloves cost between $10 and $30.
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Splint Gloves Professionals
- Provides greater support for hands, wrists and fingers than other arthritis gloves
- May help strengthen certain fingers or thumbs when worn
- Some splint gloves are helpful for tasks that require a lot of use of the hands
- Promotes healthy hand positioning
- Help with pain management, especially after an injury
- Disadvantages of splint gloves
- Not recommended for prolonged use
- Improper use may worsen joint swelling or stiffness
- May not be suitable for everyone - consult a healthcare professional before use
Should You Buy Compression Gloves, Thermal Gloves or Splint Gloves?
How We Choose the Best Arthritis Gloves
Compression gloves, thermal gloves, and splint gloves are all great options for people with pain in the hands, fingers, or joints, or some forms of arthritis.
If you need general support and stability throughout the day, then you should wear a pair of compression gloves. However, if you frequently wake up with stiff fingers or cold hands, thermal gloves may be better for you. Finally, if you've recently injured a finger or two and your doctor has recommended them, consider wearing a pair of splint gloves.