If you’re suffering from arthritis in the hands, you know how much it can impact your day-to-day life. Some simple products can help. Read on to learn more about the best arthritis gloves that provide warm compression to ease your symptoms.

Do gloves for arthritis work?

Arthritis or compression gloves are meant to soothe joint and muscle pain. They apply compression, support, and in some models heat. Some patients note that this can:

  • Reduce their swelling and stiffness
  • Increase blood flow
  • Maintain warmth
  • Relieve joint pain

In addition to easing your symptoms, they may also help you feel more relaxed and calm. Think of them like a weighted blanket for your hand. Compression gloves may help people who are suffering from:

There is strong evidence that arthritis gloves do help with finger and hand pain. A meta-analysis published in Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease examined three decades of research on compression gloves and rheumatoid arthritis. Their findings showed a strong relationship between using compression gloves and improvement in arthritis symptoms, especially pain and stiffness.

Whether it’s the compression, the warmth, or the support, arthritis gloves are an affordable at-home solution to help manage arthritis pain.

Do I need copper in my arthritis gloves?

There are many commercials and advertisements exalting the benefits of using copper in health and wellness products. These ads make vague claims about how copper ions promote blood-flow and reduce pain and swelling.

However, there is no real evidence backing these claims. Researchers at The University of York conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of copper on rheumatoid arthritis. They found that copper did not have a meaningful therapeutic effect beyond a minor placebo effect.

That said, copper is not harmful in these products. There is no real harm in trying arthritis gloves with copper—just don’t expect the copper to provide any benefits.

What to look for in the best arthritis gloves

There are a few different things you can choose from to customize arthritis gloves to your preferences, including:

  • Fingers: Choose between fingerless and full-fingered gloves. Fingerless gloves are recommended for day use as they provide greater range of motion, while full-fingered gloves are good to sleep in.
  • Fit: In order for the compression to work, the gloves must fit properly. Be sure to choose the right size or find an adjustable pair.
  • Heat: Choose from gloves with heat therapy or without.
  • Fabric: To get the therapeutic effects of arthritic gloves, it is recommended they be worn for up to eight hours at a time. Choosing a comfortable, breathable fabric is key.

Beyond that, look for gloves that feel good on and help with your symptoms. The list below is not comprehen