Compression gloves are therapeutic garments designed to apply gentle, consistent pressure across the hands and wrists. These snug-fitting accessories resemble standard gloves but are made from specialized elastic materials that provide uniform compression. Their primary function is to offer support and manage symptoms associated with various conditions that cause pain, swelling, or reduced circulation in the hands. By exerting light pressure, the gloves aim to mitigate discomfort and improve the ability to perform daily tasks. The effectiveness of these garments relies on the quality of the material and achieving a proper fit.
The Science Behind Compression
The benefits derived from compression gloves are rooted in two primary physiological mechanisms: vascular effects and proprioceptive feedback. The constant, mild pressure applied by the glove acts on the superficial blood vessels and tissues of the hand. This gentle squeezing effect supports the venous and lymphatic systems, helping to prevent the excessive accumulation of fluid in the joints and soft tissues, thereby reducing edema or swelling. This improved fluid dynamics also helps maintain better blood flow, which delivers oxygen and nutrients while assisting in the removal of metabolic waste products.
The gloves also provide continuous warmth, which helps soothe stiff joints and relax the surrounding musculature. Beyond circulation, the pressure stimulates mechanoreceptors, sensory nerve endings in the skin and joints. This heightened sensory input provides the brain with clearer information about the hand’s position and movement in space, a process known as proprioception. Enhanced proprioceptive feedback can lead to improved joint awareness and stability, which can subtly reduce the perception of pain during movement and rest.
Conditions Treated by Compression Gloves
Compression gloves are frequently employed to manage the chronic symptoms associated with inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
For people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, the garments reduce the joint swelling and stiffness that are often pronounced in the morning. The warmth retained by the fabric helps maintain joint flexibility, which can lead to improved grip strength and range of motion over time.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The gloves provide light compression that may help reduce generalized hand swelling, which can alleviate some of the pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. However, the gloves are typically considered an adjunct therapy, often complementing a splint or brace that holds the wrist in a neutral position.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
In cases of Raynaud’s phenomenon, the gloves are beneficial primarily due to their thermal properties. They retain the body’s natural heat and help stimulate micro-circulation, which is crucial for preventing painful vasospasm episodes. The gentle pressure encourages consistent blood flow to the extremities, reducing the severity of cold-induced symptoms like numbness and tingling. Furthermore, they are often used for general hand fatigue, mild joint instability, or edema resulting from repetitive strain injuries or prolonged activity.
Choosing the Right Fit and Material
Achieving a proper fit is the most important factor for the safety and effectiveness of a compression glove. To determine the correct size, individuals should use a soft measuring tape to find the circumference of their hand across the knuckles, excluding the thumb. The measurement should be compared against a manufacturer’s sizing chart, and if a measurement falls between two sizes, selecting the larger size is recommended to prevent restriction.
A correctly fitted glove should feel snug, providing a gentle, consistent pressure without constricting movement or causing discomfort. If the glove is too tight, it can hinder circulation, potentially causing numbness, tingling, or increased pain. If the glove is too loose, it will fail to provide the necessary therapeutic pressure to manage swelling and support the joints.
Materials
Compression gloves are most commonly made from blends of flexible materials.
- Nylon and spandex provide the necessary elasticity for uniform compression.
- Cotton blends offer increased breathability.
- Some gloves are infused with copper, marketed for anti-odor and antimicrobial properties, though the direct therapeutic effect on joint pain remains unproven.
Safe Use and When to Avoid Them
Compression gloves are generally designed for intermittent wear, and it is advisable to follow professional guidance regarding duration. While many people wear them for several hours during the day or overnight to combat morning stiffness, they should not be worn 24 hours a day unless specifically advised. Continuous wear can potentially lead to skin irritation or dependence on the support.
It is important to remove the gloves immediately if any signs of compromised circulation occur, such as increased pain, a change in skin color, worsening swelling, or numbness or tingling in the fingertips. Individuals with severe circulatory issues, such as advanced peripheral artery disease, should consult a physician before using compression garments. For maintenance, most compression gloves are machine washable on a cold, delicate cycle. To preserve the elastic fibers, they should always be air-dried rather than placed in a tumble dryer.