Arthritis affecting the hands and wrists is a common condition that can significantly impair daily activities, characterized primarily by pain, stiffness, and swelling. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis, which involves the breakdown of protective joint cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation. Individuals often seek non-pharmacological methods to manage these symptoms and improve hand function. Compression gloves are a popular tool that applies gentle, consistent pressure to the hands. The central question is whether these gloves offer genuine relief from the chronic discomfort of hand arthritis.
The Science Behind Compression for Arthritis Relief
Compression gloves are designed to provide therapeutic effects through several physiological mechanisms. The snug, yet flexible, material offers mild mechanical support, which helps stabilize weakened joints and reduces the strain placed on surrounding ligaments during movement. This bracing action contributes to a feeling of security and reduced discomfort when performing tasks.
The consistent, gentle pressure applied by the gloves helps manage edema, or fluid accumulation, a common cause of swelling and stiffness in arthritic joints. By slightly compressing the tissues, the gloves may encourage the movement of excess extracellular fluid away from the affected joints, thereby reducing puffiness and improving range of motion.
Another proposed mechanism relates to proprioception, the body’s sense of its own position and movement. The continuous sensory input from the glove’s pressure provides feedback to the nervous system, which can potentially diminish pain signals. This sensory modulation is thought to work similarly to the “gate control” theory of pain, essentially distracting the nervous system from the underlying joint pain.
Many compression gloves are made from materials like spandex and nylon, which also offer a thermal effect by retaining natural body heat. This retained warmth is soothing to stiff joints and surrounding muscles, helping to relax the tissues and temporarily improve local blood circulation. Improved circulation can help ease morning stiffness, a hallmark symptom of many inflammatory arthritic conditions.
Clinical Evidence on Effectiveness
Clinical research on compression gloves for hand arthritis has provided mixed, though generally encouraging, results, often complicated by small study sizes and the subjective nature of pain. Several studies have investigated the impact of compression gloves, particularly in people with rheumatoid arthritis, reporting minor to moderate improvements in subjective pain scores. However, some trials found that a thermal placebo glove, which offered warmth but minimal compression, yielded similar benefits, suggesting that the warming effect is a significant contributor to the perceived pain relief.
Regarding measurable physical outcomes, the evidence is more specific but still inconsistent. In studies involving patients with rheumatoid arthritis, wearing the gloves often led to a significant reduction in finger joint circumference, indicating a decrease in swelling. The ability of the gloves to reduce this objective measure of inflammation suggests a clear physiological effect, supporting the mechanism of edema reduction.
Outcomes related to hand function, such as grip strength and dexterity, have not been consistently improved across clinical trials. While some users report better function, scientific measurements often show no significant difference between those wearing compression gloves and control gloves. The greatest benefit is frequently reported when gloves are worn overnight, with users noting reduced morning stiffness upon waking.
Selecting the Correct Fit and Usage Guidelines
Achieving the correct fit is the primary consideration when using compression gloves to ensure both effectiveness and safety. The glove should feel snug, providing gentle pressure evenly across the hand, but it must never be so tight that it restricts blood flow, causes numbness, or increases pain. A simple measurement around the knuckles is typically used to determine size, and if a person is between sizes, selecting the larger option is recommended to prevent complications.
Most gloves are constructed from a blend of elastic materials such as nylon and spandex. Consumers can also find specialized options like copper-infused or thermal-lined gloves. Although copper-infused gloves are marketed with claims of anti-inflammatory properties, there is limited scientific evidence to support any additional benefit beyond the compression and warmth provided by the base materials. The choice between fingerless and full-finger styles depends on the user’s need for dexterity during the day versus maximum warmth and full coverage at night.
The duration of wear should be managed carefully, as continuous use is not recommended. Many people find relief wearing the gloves for extended periods, such as eight hours, often choosing to wear them while sleeping to manage morning stiffness. However, wearing them 24 hours a day can lead to skin irritation or potential circulation issues, so the gloves should be removed periodically. Individuals with severe circulation problems, nerve damage, or skin infections should consult a healthcare professional before beginning use.
Complementary Strategies for Managing Hand and Wrist Pain
Compression gloves are best used as part of a broader strategy to manage the chronic symptoms of hand and wrist arthritis. One of the simplest complementary treatments is thermal therapy, using either heat or cold. Applying heat, such as soaking hands in warm water or using a heating pad, can help relax muscles and ease stiffness, which is particularly useful before activities. Conversely, cold therapy, like an ice pack, is generally more effective for reducing acute inflammation and swelling after a flare-up or strenuous activity.
Exercise and Joint Protection
Performing gentle hand exercises and stretching is a well-supported method for maintaining joint mobility and strength. These exercises, which may involve simple range-of-motion movements or using therapeutic putty, can help improve flexibility, reduce pain, and lessen joint damage over time. A physical or occupational therapist can provide personalized instruction on the most appropriate exercises to avoid overstraining the delicate hand joints.
To protect the joints during daily tasks, people can utilize various assistive devices and splints. Specialized tools help minimize strain on the joints:
- Jar openers
- Long-handled reachers
- Devices with larger, easier-to-grip handles
Custom or pre-fabricated splints and braces can also be used to stabilize specific joints, like the base of the thumb, providing necessary rest and support during periods of pain.
Topical Treatments
Localized relief can also be found through over-the-counter topical treatments, which deliver medication directly to the painful area. These options include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) creams, such as those containing diclofenac, or creams that use counterirritants like capsaicin or menthol. These topical applications can provide targeted relief without the systemic side effects associated with oral medications.