Gloves and wrist braces for arthritis: Types, effectiveness, and additional details
Arthritis, a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility in the hands and wrists. Fortunately, there are a variety of supportive devices available to help manage these symptoms.
A study on women with rheumatoid arthritis found that a wrist strap improved hand stabilization during tasks, while compression gloves and heated gloves may alleviate joint pain and stimulate blood flow. These items are designed to provide compression, stability, and reduction of joint strain while allowing for some natural movement to prevent stiffness.
There are several key types of supportive devices for arthritis in the hands and wrists. Copper-lined wrist supports, for instance, offer gentle compression and have antimicrobial copper-infused fabric. They are lightweight and suitable for mild symptoms or nighttime use, as they allow some movement while supporting healing.
Fitted wrist supports with adjustable straps are another option. These braces allow customizable compression levels and stabilize the wrist, often with straps around the wrist and forearm. They are ideal for mild to moderate arthritis symptoms and can be adjusted for comfort day and night.
Wrist braces with palmar and dorsal splints keep the wrist in a neutral position, preventing excessive flexion or extension. These are beneficial for nerve-related symptoms in arthritis, such as those seen in carpal tunnel syndrome. Night wrist braces like the ACE Night Wrist Sleep Support reduce movement during sleep, potentially limiting symptom aggravation.
For specific conditions like De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis or trigger finger, specialized wrist splints or finger splints provide targeted immobilization to reduce inflammation and pain.
The selection of supportive devices depends on the severity of symptoms. For mild symptoms, lighter compression gloves and copper-lined supports may suffice, while more severe arthritis or gout-related inflammation may need rigid braces that immobilize joints during flare-ups. It is important to balance support with movement, as excessive immobilization can worsen joint stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis.
Comprehensive management often includes physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications to address underlying inflammation along with brace use. The Arthritis Foundation recommends continuing regular arthritis treatment, even if therapeutic straps or gloves provide relief.
In summary, effective wrist and hand supports for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout typically include adjustable compression wrist braces, copper-infused supports for mild symptoms, and night braces that keep the wrist in a neutral position to reduce joint stress and inflammation. Selection depends on symptom severity, comfort, and specific joint involvement.
[1] Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Wrist Braces and Splints. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/tools-products/braces-splints/wrist-braces-and-splints/
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Hand and wrist arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-and-wrist-arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373071
[3] WebMD. (2019). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/guide/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-symptoms-causes-treatments
[4] Rheumatology Advisor. (2019). Rheumatoid Arthritis: Treatment Options and Strategies. Retrieved from https://www.rheumatologyadvisor.com/home/topics/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatment-options-and-strategies/
- While compression gloves and heated gloves may alleviate joint pain and stimulate blood flow in arthritis patients, a study on women with rheumatoid arthritis found that a wrist strap improved hand stabilization during tasks.
- For specific conditions like De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis or trigger finger, specialized wrist splints or finger splints provide targeted immobilization to reduce inflammation and pain in patients with chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- The Arthritis Foundation recommends continuing regular arthritis treatment, even if therapeutic straps or gloves provide relief, as comprehensive management often includes physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications to address underlying inflammation.
- Wrist braces with palmar and dorsal splints are beneficial for nerve-related symptoms in arthritis, such as those seen in carpal tunnel syndrome, as they keep the wrist in a neutral position to prevent excessive flexion or extension.
