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A person can wear compression gloves for everyday tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or driving. Some products also have a screen-friendly material, so individuals do not have to remove them while using their smart devices.

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Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.

Gloves with a compression design are suitable for people with osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other hand conditions.

According to a 2017 study, compression gloves use pressure to relieve pain and stiffness and improve hand function. The gloves can also increase blood circulation.

There is limited research on the effectiveness of compression gloves. An older review of the effect of compression gloves on RA found that, while the gloves reduced pain, stiffness, and swelling, there was little to no improvement in hand function. However, the authors note that compression gloves can increase handgrip strength.

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Medical News Today chooses products that fit the following criteria:

  • Price: Products are available in a wide range of budgets.
  • Reviews: Products have mostly positive customer reviews.
  • Ease of use: Products come with instructions on how to use them.
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The following are some factors a person may wish to consider when looking for compression gloves:

  • Size: People should use the manufacturer’s sizing guide to choose the size that best fits their hands.
  • Ease of use: Gloves should be easy to use, and the manufacturer should supply easy-to-follow instructions. Some products also have an on-and-off button for vibration therapy.
  • Material: Some compression gloves have a moisture-wicking fabric that helps keep the hands dry, reducing skin irritation.
  • Price: Compression gloves have different prices, and those that provide heat and vibration therapy can be more expensive.

Below, we review nine compression gloves suitable for different conditions and activities:

IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves

Best for overall comfort

IMAK compression gloves are lightweight and breathable and have an open finger design. They provide comfort and pain relief for those with arthritis, carpal tunnel, tendinitis, and joint swelling.

A person can use them while performing other activities, including driving, gardening, and sleeping.

According to customer reviews, the product’s cotton and spandex material is breathable. However, the material can attract lint and pet hair.

At the time of publishing, the IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves have a list price of around $20.

ComfyBrace Arthritis Hand Compression Gloves

Best for arthritis

These compression gloves have an ergonomic, fingerless design, allowing individuals to do many activities, such as cooking, sewing, and cleaning.

Other features include breathable and moisture-wicking fabric and a contoured, snug fit. The gloves weigh 0.64 ounces (oz), and a person should hand-wash them.

According to customer reviews, the following are some of the advantages:

  • The gloves do not get in the way when a person is performing various activities.
  • They are suitable for women and men.
  • The company offers an online booklet consisting of hand exercises.

However, some customers say that the material does not stretch enough and that the product may come with ripped seams.

At the time of publishing, the ComfyBrace Arthritis Hand Compression Gloves have a list price of around $16.

Vive Full Compression Gloves

Best for carpal tunnel

Vive has designed these gloves for people with carpal tunnel syndrome.

The compression gloves come with a screen-friendly material, so individuals can use their phones and tablets while wearing the gloves.

The Vive Full Compression Gloves have a soft, form-fitting cotton-spandex blend with minimal stitching for comfort. They also feature a temperature-regulated design.

According to customer reviews, some advantages of the gloves include the following:

  • A person can wear them all day.
  • They are suitable for those with long fingers and narrower palms.
  • They improve mobility.

However, customers also say that the gloves have the following disadvantages:

  • They can be tight for small hands.
  • The inside seams may add bulk to the gloves.
  • The thick fingertips may make it difficult to type on screens.

At the time of publishing, the Vive Full Compression Gloves have a list price of around $15.

Doctor Developed Full Fingered Arthritis Compression Gloves

Best for finger and thumb support

Dr. Arthritis states that these full-fingered compression gloves are suitable for those with arthritis, Raynaud’s disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other hand conditions.

The brand offers a handbook that includes hand exercises and information about several hand conditions and their treatment options.

According to customer reviews, these gloves provide warmth and full-finger support and do not irritate the skin. However, others say that the gloves are too thick and tight on the hands.

At the time of publishing, the Doctor Developed Full Fingered Arthritis Compression Gloves have a list price of around $16.

Thermoskin Premium Arthritic Gloves

Best for thermal heat compression

Thermoskin states these compression gloves capture the body’s heat to relieve pain from arthritis.

The gloves’ outer layer provides additional grip. The gloves contain a Trioxon lining and Velcro closure for extra comfort and improved fit.

According to the manufacturer, people who wear these gloves will experience less swelling and joint pain.

Positive reviews note that customers no longer had swollen and painful hands after wearing the gloves. Other customers say that the gloves were comfortable to use while driving.

However, negative reviews state the gloves have a bad odor and can be stiff and difficult to wear.

At the time of publishing, the Thermoskin Premium Arthritic Gloves have a list price of around $30.

Intellinetix Therapy Gloves

Best vibrating gloves

The Infinity Therapy Gloves offer vibration to stimulate the muscles and ligaments. The gloves may also increase circulation and reduce inflammation and joint pain.

The gloves come with an on-and-off button for vibration therapy, and when in use, the vibrating motors start working right away.

According to the manufacturer, the gloves can operate for 40 minutes when they are fully charged. A person can charge the gloves using a universal mini USB cable.

According to customer reviews, the breathable cotton material prevents skin irritation and sweating. However, negative reviews note that the gloves only provide vibration to the bottom of the fingers.

At the time of publishing, the Intellinetix Therapy Gloves have a list price starting at around $90.

Vive Arthritis Gloves

Best affordable gloves

These low-cost gloves have an open finger design that allows individuals to perform everyday tasks. The manufacturers state that the gloves can relieve arthritis pain and reduce stress on pressure points.

Moreover, the gloves are lightweight and breathable and have minimal stitching to reduce irritation.

The Vive Arthritis Gloves are suitable for people who have a low budget. However, customers say that the sizing guide may not be accurate.

At the time of publishing, the Vive Arthritis Gloves have a list price of around $9.

People should follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using compression gloves. However, the National Health Service (NHS) recommends the following:

  • wearing the gloves for short periods until a person gets used to them
  • making sure that they feel snug and not too tight
  • drying the hands before wearing the gloves
  • wearing the gloves during sleep to help with swelling, pain, and stiffness

In addition, individuals should hand-wash their compression gloves or use a washing machine on a gentle cycle. Most compression gloves need air-drying.

People should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when caring for and using compression gloves.

A person should stop using their compression gloves and seek guidance from a doctor if they experience any of the following:

There are many compression gloves available online that can help reduce pain and stiffness in the hands and improve circulation.

Compression gloves are suitable for use while performing everyday activities. However, people should consider which features they require, such as a breathable material or a full length or fingerless design, before making a purchase.