9 Best Compression Gloves for Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel: Benefits, Features, and More
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- Best overall: Dr. Arthritis Compression Gloves
- Best for arthritis: IMAK Arthritis Gloves
- Best for carpal tunnel: IMAK Computer Gloves
- Best copper-infused: RiptGear Compression Gloves
- Best for your fingers and thumbs: Dr. Arthritis Full Fingered CompressionGloves
- Best thermal heat compression gloves: Thermoskin Premium Arthritic Gloves
- Best for vibrating: Intellenetix Therapy Gloves
- Best low-cost: ComfyBrace Arthritis Compression Gloves
- Best for gaming: Ironclad Immortals PC Gaming Gloves
Compression gloves can help with circulation and pain. They work by squeezing the veins in your hands to support healthy circulation and prevent inflammation that can cause joint pain.
- Inflammation.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease.
- other conditions that cause cramps or pain in your hands
There are different types of compression gloves that address sweaty hands. The evidence for using compression gloves is limited.
“Many people swear that wearing compression gloves makes their daily tasks pain-free. There are some studies that suggest that compression gloves may reduce pain levels, but they don’t suggest that these gloves work as a long-term treatment.”
Most people who wear these types of gloves will experience some pain after they take the gloves off. They may be helpful while you are wearing them.
If you are interested in trying out compression gloves, we have put together a list of the best ones.
It can be difficult to narrow down the choices when there are so many different products. We did not accept any products or compensation from companies when we put together this list.
What we did consider was the following:
- Customer reviews. We took a look at every review we could get our hands on to determine whether the typical consumer was happy with the way that their compression gloves worked, taking note of any common dissatisfactions or complaints.
- Ease of use. Any product that seemed overly complicated or that customers reported having trouble using wasn’t a candidate for this list.
- Research-backed claims. Products that hype their compression gloves as a miracle cure for a wide range of ailments weren’t considered. Instead, we took a look at clinical trials and medical literature to see if what these products claim to do was possible.
- Pricing and accessibility. We did our best to find products that were affordable, convenient to order, and that are produced by trusted brands in the compression glove space.
Pricing guide
Our compression glove list hits a range of price points so that you can find something that fits your budget.
- $ = under $20
- $$ = $20-$35
- $$$ = more than $35
Our use of the word “best”
“There is no standard methodology for evaluating compression gloves because they aren’t considered medical devices.”
The FDA isn\’t evaluating claims that these companies make. The use of the word “best” is not a good idea because it is not a good idea for one person to work for another.
Consumers trust some brands more than others. It is the products that have the most consumer trust that are the best bet for trying out compression gloves.
Best overall compression gloves
Dr. Arthritis Compression Gloves
- Price: $
- Best for: arthritis
- Material: nylon
- Sizes offered: extra small to extra large
Key features: These simple, cotton-nylon blend gloves are loved by reviewers, developed by doctors, and approved to treat a wide range of inflammatory and circulatory conditions affecting your hands. They’re meant to be breathable and easy to clean. These gloves are also on the lower end of the pricing scale, and reviewers say that they are comfortable enough to sleep in.
Considerations: These compression gloves are a great pick for daily use and can be used comfortably for hours at a time. But don’t expect them to last forever. Even the happiest customers reported that they expected to replace the gloves every few months.
Pros
- It is designed to soothe arthritis and other types of chronic pain.
- “It’s affordable to replace them when necessary.”
Cons
- They are not durable enough to last for a long time.
Best compression gloves for arthritis
IMAK Arthritis Gloves
- Price: $$
- Best for: arthritis
- Material: cotton and spandex
- Sizes offered: extra small to large
Key features: These compression gloves are endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation. They’re long enough to pull on and off more easily than some others, especially if arthritis makes using other gloves difficult. They’re a cotton and spandex blend, so your palms won’t get too sweaty. And the open-glove design makes it easy for you to go about your daily tasks all while wearing these gloves.
Considerations: They’re on the thinner side, and some reviewers were unhappy with the quality of the stitching. If they work for you for everyday use, you may have to replace them before too long.
Pros
- cotton material keeps hands from getting sweaty
- It is easy to pull on and off.
Best compression gloves for carpal tunnel
IMAK Computer Gloves
- Price: $
- Best for: carpal tunnel
- Material: cotton, elastic, and beads
- Sizes offered: one size
Key features: If you’re looking for gloves because you have carpal tunnel, you’ll need gloves that stabilize your wrist joint in addition to offering compression. Compression gloves might not help with the primary cause of carpal tunnel, which is nerve compression, but gloves padded with gel may reduce pain, according to a
Considerations: These gloves might help to prevent a flare-up of carpal tunnel pain, but they don’t offer a strong compression element. If you’re looking to treat inflammatory conditions, like arthritis, in addition to carpal tunnel, you might want to invest in a heavier-compression option.
Pros
- These work well for daily activities.
- While you work, massage beads can help you with your hands.
Best copper-infused compression gloves
RiptGear Compression Gloves
- Price: $$
- Best for: pain relief
- Material: copper-infused nylon and spandex
- Sizes offered: extra small to extra large
Key features: Studies are mixed on whether copper-infused materials really make a difference in providing pain relief. With that in mind, the RiptGear Compression Gloves provide a good deal of compression in addition to some wrist stabilization. The copper-infused fabric is also antimicrobial, which is a huge benefit when you’re using them out and about.
Considerations: Reviewers say that the sizing isn’t uniform with the products that they received, so keep that in mind when you’re trying to figure out what size to order. Any copper-infused product needs to be hand-washed and can’t be put in the dryer, so also be aware that these gloves aren’t the easiest to keep clean.
Pros
- Reviewers say these gloves give comfortable compression for everyday activities, such as weight lifting and household chores.
- The gloves are kept from feeling too hot.
Cons
- Reviewers say the size is not consistent and that they should size up from the chart recommendations.
- It needs to be hung up to dry.
Best compression-fit gloves for your fingers and thumbs
Dr. Arthritis Full Fingered Arthritis Gloves
- Price: $
- Best for: arthritis
- Material: cotton and nylon blend
- Sizes offered: small to large
Key features: Most compression gloves tend to be fingerless, meaning they cut off at a joint midway up your finger. If you experience swelling or pain in your fingertips, you’ll want gloves that cover your whole hand. These gloves are made from the same nylon and cotton blend as our “best overall” pick, with the addition of fingertip compression for your fingers and your thumb. Reviewers also note that the fingertips on the gloves help keep heat in, so they’re warmer to wear.
Considerations: A common complaint among customers is the seams of the gloves, which some reviewers feel sit too tightly against the wrist and fingers. The gloves are supposed to be tight, but seams that aren’t tight to the glove’s interior can start to get irritating after hours of wear.
Pros
- If you have pain in your fingers, full-fingered design is helpful.
- Warm compression is super-breathable and is also very absorbent.
Cons
- “Reviewers don’t like that you can’t use your phone with these gloves.”
- If you have negative reviews about the gloves, they may not work well.
Best thermal heat compression gloves
Thermoskin Premium Arthritic Gloves
- Price: $$
- Best for: arthritis
- Material: nylon
- Sizes offered: extra small to extra, extra large
Key features: Gloves that provide compression therapy in addition to warming your hands can soothe tired, aching joints, especially in the colder months. These gloves aim to capture your body’s heat and redistribute it around your fingertips and hands while reducing swelling in joints. They also have a wrist strap if you need increased wrist stability. The gloves have a textured top layer to improve your gripping ability, too.
Considerations: These gloves may heat up, but they don’t use a heating mechanism, so they may not be as warm as gloves that are heated. They’re also on the pricier side, so you may want to go with a cheaper option for your everyday compression gloves.
Pros
- Provide heat therapy to soothe joints.
- The grip is improved thanks to textured palms.
Cons
- They are a bit expensive, so they are not a budget-friendly pick.
- They may offer more warmth than other picks, but they are not appropriate for people with joint pain.
Best vibrating compression gloves
Intellinetix Therapy Gloves
- Price: $$$
- Best for: nerve pain, such as fibromyalgia
- Material: cotton material and rechargeable lithium battery
- Sizes offered: small, medium, and large
Key features: If you often feel pain in the joints in your hands, vibrating compression gloves may provide some relief. A small 2017 study showed that women with Inflammation. reported reduced pain symptoms after using vibrating gloves once per day for 20 minutes. These Intellinetix gloves have small motors inside that vibrate your hands.
Considerations: Vibrating compression gloves tend to cost a lot more than basic compression gloves. If this is a feature that’s not essential for you, you can get a great compression glove for one-third of the price. Also check the sizing guide carefully, as returns may not be permitted for gloves that don’t fit.
Pros
- “If you have Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia, or any type of arthritis, this offer offers pain relief and warmth.”
- Reviewers say that the feature reduces pain.
Cons
- The feature requires an hour of charge every half hour.
- The most expensive compression gloves are on our list.
- “You might not want to wear this to do everyday tasks as you won’t want to break the battery or compromise the battery.”
Best low-cost compression gloves
ComfyBrace Arthritis Hand Compression Gloves
- Price: $
- Best for: Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease.
- Material: spandex and cotton
- Sizes offered: small, medium, and large
Key features: Reviewers rave about these well-priced gloves, which offer firm compression with a lot of comfort. People with Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease., fibromyalgia, and carpal tunnel all say that these gloves offer the best bang-for-the-buck in terms of ease of use. They even have a special seam design to prevent rubbing and irritation, which some other manufacturers can’t say.
Considerations: Keep in mind that these gloves are one of the least expensive on the round-up, and there’s an aspect of “you get what you pay for.” While you may save money initially, it’s possible you’ll have to replace them earlier than you would some other brands, and there’s only a difference of a couple of dollars when you consider upgrading to a more durable product.
Pros
- Reviewers say that the compression level is appropriate for everyday tasks.
- The fabric on your hands keeps them from overheating.
Cons
- “These might be a short-term solution since they won’t last as long as some more expensive picks.”
Best compression gloves for gaming
Ironclad Immortals PC Gaming Gloves
- Price: $$
- Best for: carpal tunnel
- Material: synthetic leather and silicone
- Sizes offered: extra, extra small to extra, extra large
Key features: Long sessions of computer or console gaming can cause cramping in your hands. Gaming gloves may provide relief, but it’s essential to find gloves that still allow for freedom of movement and that don’t turn your hands into a sweaty, uncoordinated mess. These gloves are meant to improve your grip for a better gaming performance while keeping cramping and sweaty fingers from becoming an issue. They also have hand wrist padding, which can make gaming sessions at a keyboard more comfortable, and they’re machine-washable.
Considerations: These gloves are fingerless, so you may still get sweaty on your fingertips while you’re gaming. They’re marketed for use on PC, but should also work great for console gaming. You’ll also want to be aware that these gloves offer less compression than some other options on this list, which makes them great for the finger movements required in gaming but might not help with conditions like arthritis.
Pros
- Improve your grip and offer compression.
- Reviewers like that these gloves are machine washed.
Cons
- Reviewers have difficulty determining the right size on the size chart.
- If you sweat a lot, it might feel slippery under the glove.
| Name | Price | Best for | Material | Sizes offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Arthritis Compression Gloves | $ | arthritis | nylon | XS–L |
| IMAK Arthritis Gloves | $$ | arthritis | cotton and spandex | XS–L |
| IMAK Computer Gloves | $ | carpal tunnel | cotton, elastic, and beads | one size |
| RiptGear Compression Gloves | $$ | pain relief | copper-infused nylon and spandex | XS–XL |
| Dr. Arthritis Full Fingered Compression Gloves | $ | arthritis | cotton/nylon blend | S–L |
| Thermoskin Premium Arthritic Gloves | $$ | arthritis | nylon | XS–XXL |
| Intellinetix Therapy Gloves | $$$ | nerve pain, such as fibromyalgia | cotton material, rechargeable lithium battery | S, M, L |
| ComfyBrace Arthritis Compression Gloves | $ | Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease. | spandex and cotton | S, M, L |
| Ironclad Immortals PC Gaming Gloves | $$ | carpal tunnel | synthetic leather and silicone | XXS–XXL |
When buying compression gloves, think about what you will use them for.
Maybe your primary goal is to reduce swelling and pressure on your joints. Maybe you’re looking for gloves that redistribute heat to your hand because of Reynaud’s or another health condition.
Maybe you are looking for gloves that will keep your wrist steady while you are typing. Before you buy a glove, you should know what the primary function is.
You may want to consider that.
Ease of use/durability
Gloves should be easy to pull on and off, and have instructions on how to keep them clean.
Some manufacturers recommend that you have multiple pairs of gloves for different tasks, while others claim that you can wear them all the time.
Comfort and fit
The gloves have to be fit to be effective. You may need to have someone else help you measure your hand and look at the size guide of gloves.
“If the gloves don’t fit, read reviews to see if the gloves are true to size.”
Material
You only know the types of material that are comfortable on your skin. Gloves made of cotton blend tend to be more absorbent and easier to clean.
Gloves with a higher nylon or spandex ratio may provide a higher level of compression. Before you buy compression gloves, make sure you look at what they are made of.
Circulation in your fingers is supported by compression gloves. They apply a uniform pressure to your hands and fingers.
The gloves on your hands can provide a warm layer of heat to your muscles, which can help relieve pain.
Compression gloves are sometimes recommended by physical therapists and rheumatologists for people who have any type of inflammatory or swelling condition in their hands. But the evidence for how well they work is
Compression gloves can provide temporary relief of inflammation or pain, and may even increase your range of motion when you use them regularly. Most of the evidence we have is anecdotal.
If you follow directions from your doctor or physical therapist, compression gloves will work better. Follow these tips.
- Before you use your gloves, make sure to read the instructions.
- When you put them on, they should feel snug.
- “Don’t wear compression gloves for 24 hours at a time. They are put on when you tend to experience swelling or pain in your hands.”
- Make sure your hands are dry when you put them on.
- Start wearing gloves a few hours at a time, and work your way up to wearing them for longer if needed. If you want to try wearing them while you sleep, you need to test them out before you do.
The at- home remedy is compression gloves. They can help you with everyday activities. Compression gloves are not replacements for medical care, diagnosis, and treatment.
If you have any of the following, talk to a doctor.
- “After 2 weeks of wearing compression gloves, unexplained pain in your wrist, hand, or fingers don’t improve.”
- Cold compress and rest will not help with swelling and shooting pain.
- “It’s stopping you from completing your daily activities.”
- “It’s possible to have numbness or tingling in your hands or wrist.”
- “breakthrough pain that doesn’t respond to medication.”
- There are pain symptoms that begin with a trauma.
How long should compression gloves be worn?
“The advice for how long to wear compression gloves varies depending on how you use them. Don’t wear them for more than 8 hours at a time. Some compression gloves are recommended for sleeping in.”
“Don’t wear gloves that cut off your circulation.”
How tight should compression gloves be?
“Blood can be moved through your hands and fingers with the help of compression gloves. You should be able to get them on and off quickly. If you feel a sensation of pain or numbness, it’s time to change your compression gloves.”
Do compression gloves help with inflammation?
Compression gloves may temporarily relieve inflammation from arthritis or other conditions, but the evidence is mixed. A
There are a lot of options for compression gloves, and most have additional features that you might want to consider. Before purchasing these gloves, be aware of any warranties or return policies and think carefully about which features you actually need.
