Thoughts on compression gloves please?

[DoricQuine55]

Had a review with my rheumy yesterday. She really is lovely and was most apologetic that, although she has my RA pretty much under control, she couldn't really do much more for my OA except try to manage the pain. I'm already doing all I can to help myself in exercising to strengthen supporting muscles and resting when body tells me to! I walk, run and do yoga and weightlifting and am extremely grateful I can still do these things at my advanced age! 😂

One of the things she suggested was gloves for extra support for my hands eg when driving any distance.

I wear gloves in the gym but these are more for grip than support and the splints I got from OT are too stiff to drive with, so compression gloves might be the answer.

Any thoughts?

I've done a bit of research and the jury seems to be out on their effectiveness so just wondered if anyone swears by them?

[Shep22]

I I found they helped with my hands for the arthritis side But as have nerve issues and fibromyalgia on top of ra

The gloves gave me the numbness and tingling as the more they where worn

But did help the the pain and movement side

Worth a try

Hope they help you

[DoricQuine55 in reply to Shep22]

Thanks Shep22, that's good to know.

[KittyJ]

I wear compression gloves alot but they don’t give any support really. Maybe she was thinking of splints as they’re more supportive.

[DoricQuine55 in reply to KittyJ]

I have splints already KittyJ but wouldn't be able to drive with them.

[KittyJ in reply to DoricQuine55]

Oh I drive in mine, always have done.

[Boxerlady in reply to KittyJ]

Interesting - when I suggested that to the OT, she said that I shouldn't as it could be a problem insurance-wise 😏

[KittyJ in reply to Boxerlady]

😬 I was never told that but then things might have changed in the years since I was given my first pair. 🤫

[DoricQuine55 in reply to Boxerlady]

I can understand that being the case. I wouldn't feel safe driving with the splints I have, as they do limit my wrist & thumb movement.

[Tkat10 in reply to Boxerlady]

If you use then to drive they need to be declared to both dvla and your insurer

[KittyJ in reply to Tkat10]

Hmm I’ve never been told that but then I haven’t asked either.

[HeadInASpin in reply to KittyJ]

I was given splints a couple of months ago by OT and they were quite forceful in saying that you can’t drive in them and that it would invalidate my insurance. Same went for my husband who broke his arm last year whilst we were on holiday in Somerset, he was told he could not drive in the cast or the splint he had afterwards for the same reason.

[KittyJ in reply to HeadInASpin]

I was given mine over 30 years ago, maybe it was different then.

[Runrig01]

I wear compression gloves, and they do make the pain more bearable. I use ones made of bamboo, they are soft to touch, and yet supportive. You really want to get them from a company who do them using hand measurements.

[DoricQuine55 in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks Runrig01. Yes, already checked with one company that only said S/M as measurement and that would have been way too big and given no compression at all!

[Runrig01 in reply to DoricQuine55]

I buy all my supports from a USA company with great reviews, and excellent customer service. Delivery is included in the cost, dizing is accurate. I’ve bought tons of knee and elbow supports, and nothing comes close to these. They are called OneCompress if you want to have a look. Delivery is around 7 days.

[DoricQuine55 in reply to Runrig01]

That was the company that came up when I searched for bamboo but their small would even be too big. I've found an XS pair on Versus Arthritis shop so think I'll give them a go.

[Boxerlady]

It might be worth contacting the OT as mine gave me splints originally and then compression gloves at a later appointment.

[DoricQuine55 in reply to Boxerlady]

Thanks Boxerlady. The ones I'm looking at are purple! 🥰 I don't think the OT would be giving me those 🤣

[Boxerlady in reply to DoricQuine55]

Probably not....😂 I just found it useful as she explained how tight they should be and when/how long to wear them. At the time, mine were for swelling but I always found her advice useful.

[Lolabridge]

For driving get compression gloves with grips on palms and fingers.

[sylvi]

I use compression gloves especially when my hands hurt. I use Glucosamine gel on them then put the gloves over top and wear them over night. They seem to help me. xx

[DoricQuine55 in reply to sylvi]

Glad to hear they help you sylvi x My hands don't tend to bother me too much during the night thankfully.

[ruth_p]

I didn’t get on with compression gloves, maybe some good quality driving gloves?

[Rusticgarden]

The splints are for night time to help stop bones in the hands changing shape

[KittyJ in reply to Rusticgarden]

It depends which splints you have, some are for night time but other kinds are for daytime ( night splints and working splints they were called when I had some made)

[Bails67]

my OT provided the gloves as she said it’s important they fit correctly. I don’t find they make much difference but I have very little swelling. I do have a wrap that she made for me which is great for me.

[DoricQuine55 in reply to Bails67]

It's not so much swelling that's a problem, just looking for a bit of support for the thumb area.

[Bails67 in reply to DoricQuine55]

I would go back to OT they maybe able to make something .

[Kati66]

When I was first diagnosed with RA, my consultant referred me to the hand physio who gave me some compression gloves and thumb supports. The seams are on the outside, which stops any irritation on the fingers and hands. Maybe you could ask to be referred to a hand physio?

[DoricQuine55 in reply to Kati66]

I'm not that bad to warrant that really. I've been noticing the base of thumbs getting sorer if I drive long distances. My husband usually does the bulk of the driving but if he has been doing a longer race and is tired, I will drive home so thought gloves might help in that situation. It's just the start of racing season, so lots of days/weekends away already in the calendar for us both!

[Kati66 in reply to DoricQuine55]

What kind of racing does your hubby do? We are a big car fan family too 🏎️🏎️🏎️

[DoricQuine55 in reply to Kati66]

This kind of racing Kati66. No cars involved 🤣

Old codger enjoying running!

[Kati66 in reply to DoricQuine55]

Oh I see!!! Well done to him 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[HappykindaGal]

When I was first diagnosed my hands constantly burned and my friend bought me compression gloves from Dr Arthritis. They made such a huge difference. Compression clothes are meant to act as a support. It’s the act of compression that does something psychologically and eases the discomfort. Same as compression clothes for autistic children and adults.

[seronegativeRa]

I can't comment for driving, but I use my compression gloves for when I'm in a lot of pain and need to type (I am computer based and do a lot of typing), I mostly use them in the winter, don't need them as much in warm weather unless I'm unlucky enough to be in a flare.

When the pain is really bad, I also sleep in them (don't know if this is a good or bad thing). You can get them for not too expensive, so I would say, give them a go and if you like them great. I have pairs all over the palce now, in my bag, my bedside table, on my desk at home, in my desk drawer at work.

[DoricQuine55 in reply to seronegativeRa]

Thanks! I've ordered a pair from Versus Arthritis site so only time will tell 🙂

[KylaC in reply to seronegativeRa]

Yes, i do the same (i keep a pair of compression gloves in my laptop bag, as you say really good when typing). I have driven in mine but have wondered if there are pairs with those sticky patches on them to aid wheel grip. Will check out versus arthritis page, thanks.

[AgedCrone]

I honestly think you would have to get some advice from a physio & give them a try.

I have found compression socks sre helpful…but tbh they are such a faff to get on & off…I only wear them when I’m in the mood…they weren’t life changing for me.