Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, commonly affects the small joints of the hands, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced function. This discomfort makes daily tasks challenging, prompting many to seek non-pharmacological relief. Arthritis gloves are widely available products marketed to address these symptoms. This analysis examines the mechanisms of action and the clinical data behind the effectiveness of therapeutic gloves.
How Different Types of Gloves Are Intended to Work
Most commercially available arthritis gloves fall into two primary categories: compression and thermal. Compression gloves apply gentle, uniform pressure across the hand and finger joints, often using nylon and elastane fabrics. The intended mechanism is to reduce joint swelling (edema) by assisting the movement of excess fluid away from affected tissues. This mild pressure is also believed to provide supportive stability, which may help reduce pain during hand movement.
Thermal gloves focus on retaining body heat to warm the hand joints. This warmth is theorized to relax muscles and connective tissues, reducing morning stiffness and increasing joint flexibility. A third category includes gloves infused with materials like copper. Manufacturers suggest copper possesses anti-inflammatory properties, but this biological mechanism is largely unsubstantiated by scientific evidence.
Clinical Evidence for Symptom Management
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that any documented benefits of arthritis gloves are often modest. Many studies have struggled to demonstrate that compression gloves provide a statistically meaningful advantage over placebo gloves. Early research on compression gloves for rheumatoid arthritis noted a reduction in joint circumference, suggesting an effect on swelling. However, this did not consistently translate to significant improvements in grip strength or dexterity.
More recent, high-quality research, such as the A-GLOVES trial, compared active compression gloves with loose-fitting alternatives. The trial found no clinically important difference in hand pain, stiffness, or function between the groups. This suggests that perceived benefits are largely attributable to the warmth, comfort, and psychological effect of wearing any supportive garment. Participants frequently cited warmth and general comfort as the most beneficial aspects, regardless of whether they received active compression or the control glove.
The claimed anti-inflammatory benefits of copper-infused gloves are not supported by clinical data. Studies analyzing copper-embedded gloves concluded they offer no superior pain or stiffness relief compared to standard compression or placebo gloves. The scientific literature indicates that while compression and warmth offer plausible mechanisms, the benefits of most arthritis gloves are often small and stem more from thermal and psychological effects than from the compression itself.
Choosing and Using Therapeutic Gloves
For individuals who choose to use therapeutic gloves, proper selection and usage are paramount for safety. The most important factor is securing an appropriate fit; the glove should feel snug and supportive but never tight enough to restrict circulation or cause numbness. A constrictive fit can potentially worsen conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Gloves are commonly worn for several hours, making material breathability important to prevent skin irritation. Fingerless designs are often preferred for daytime use, as they maintain manual dexterity for tasks like typing or gripping small objects. Full-finger versions maximize warmth and support, making them better suited for overnight wear to combat morning stiffness. Consult with a physician or occupational therapist before incorporating gloves into a pain management regimen.