Compression gloves are a special type of glove designed to provide therapeutic benefits through gentle, sustained pressure. These gloves are used for a variety of medical and therapeutic purposes, providing relief and support for people with specific hand and wrist conditions. Here, we take an in-depth look at the main uses and benefits of compression gloves, how they work, and who can benefit from wearing them.
What are compression gloves?
Compression gloves are typically made of materials such as spandex, nylon, and cotton, which provide stretch and durability. They are designed to fit snugly around the hand, providing even pressure across the fingers, palm, and wrist. The pressure applied by these gloves helps improve circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve pain and stiffness.
Uses of Compression Gloves
1. Arthritis Relief
One of the most common uses of compression gloves is to manage arthritis symptoms. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints. Compression gloves can help:
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Reduce Swelling: The constant pressure helps reduce fluid buildup in the joints, which reduces swelling.
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Relieve Pain: By providing support and warmth, these gloves can reduce pain and discomfort in the hands.
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Enhance Mobility: Compression can help improve hand function and grip strength, making daily activities easier.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands. Compression gloves can:
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Provide Support: Stabilize the wrist and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
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Improve Circulation: Enhance blood flow to reduce symptoms and promote healing.
3. Edema Management
Edema, swelling caused by excess fluid retention in body tissues, can occur in the hands for a variety of reasons, including injury or surgery. Compression gloves help:
- Reduce fluid buildup: Gentle pressure encourages fluid flow and reduces swelling.
- Support recovery: Helps the healing process by promoting better circulation.
4. Raynaud’s phenomenon
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition where blood flow to the fingers is restricted, often due to cold or pressure, causing the fingers to turn white or blue. Compression gloves:
- Provide warmth: Helps keep the hands warm and improves blood flow.
- Reduce attacks: Compression can help reduce the frequency and severity of Raynaud’s attacks.
5. Injury rehabilitation
After a hand injury or surgery, compression gloves can be part of the rehabilitation process. They:
- Support healing: By providing stability and reducing pressure on injured tissue.
- Reduce swelling: Helps control post-operative or injury-related swelling.
6. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
Repetitive strain injuries, such as tendinitis or tenosynovitis, occur due to repetitive motion or overuse. Compression gloves:
- Provide support: Stabilize the hand and wrist to prevent further strain.
- Reduce inflammation: Improve circulation and reduce inflammation associated with repetitive strain injuries.
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How do compression gloves work?
Compression gloves work by applying gentle pressure to the hands and wrists, which does the following:
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Improve circulation: Enhances blood flow to the affected area, helping to reduce inflammation and pain.
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Reduces swelling: By promoting lymphatic drainage and preventing fluid buildup.
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Supports joints and muscles: Provides stability and reduces the risk of further injury.
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Keeps warm: Keeps hands warm, helping to reduce stiffness and improves flexibility.
Who can benefit from compression gloves?
Compression gloves can benefit a wide range of people, including:
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Arthritis patients: People who suffer from any form of arthritis that affects their hands.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome patients: People who experience symptoms due to compression of the median nerve.
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Edema patients: Anyone who has swelling in their hands due to fluid retention.
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Raynaud’s disease patients: People who have restricted blood flow to their fingers.
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Injury or surgery patients: People who are recovering from an injury or surgery to their hands.
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Repetitive strain injury patients: People who strain their hands and wrists from performing repetitive tasks.
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Choosing the right compression gloves
When choosing compression gloves, consider the following:
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Fit: Make sure the gloves fit comfortably but not too tight to restrict blood flow.
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Material: Look for materials that are breathable, durable, comfortable, and stretchy.
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Compression level: Choose gloves with the appropriate level of compression for your condition and comfort level.
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Open or closed finger: Determine if you need an open finger glove for tasks that require tactile sensitivity or a closed finger glove for full coverage and warmth.
Conclusion
Compression gloves are an important tool for treating a variety of hand and wrist conditions, relieving pain, reducing swelling, and improving overall hand function. Whether you suffer from arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or another condition, these gloves can provide significant benefits and improve your quality of life. If you have any purchasing needs, click here to contact us now!
