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IMAK compression arthritis gloves: a plain explainer
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- IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves. Best for: People with arthritis who want light, warm compression with free fingertips. See options on Amazon
- Open-finger cotton compression gloves (other makers). Best for: Anyone who wants the same basic design from a different brand. See options on Amazon
- Compression gloves with palm grip dots. Best for: Jar opening, gardening and holding tools. See options on Amazon
- Soft fleece fingerless gloves. Best for: People who want warmth without compression. See options on Amazon
What the IMAK glove is
On its product page, Brownmed describes IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves as designed for people with arthritis, giving mild compression for warmth and helping increase circulation. The listed features are:
- Cotton fabric that Brownmed says lets skin breathe and keeps hands dry.
- Open fingertips that allow freedom to feel, touch and grip.
- Extended fabric at the wrist to make the gloves easier to put on.
- Wear: Brownmed says they are comfortable to use all day and night.
A second Brownmed listing for the gloves also names neuropathy and poor circulation in the hands as uses. Brownmed states the gloves received the Arthritis Foundation's Ease of Use Commendation for their design; that commendation is about ease of use, not proof of pain relief.
Who they are designed for
Per the maker, people with arthritis who want light compression and warmth while keeping their fingertips free. The open-tip design suits typing, phones, cooking and crafts. They are not a medical compression garment for lymphoedema, which needs measured garments from a specialist, and they do not hold the wrist straight, so they do not replace a splint for carpal tunnel syndrome.
For an independent view of what compression gloves achieve, the A-GLOVES trial compared compression gloves with loose, non-compressive gloves in 206 people with inflammatory arthritis. After 12 weeks, both groups improved similarly on pain, stiffness and function, and 73% in each group rated their gloves as beneficial. The trial did not test IMAK gloves specifically, but it is a useful guide to realistic expectations.
Sizing and fit
- Sizes. Brownmed's arthritis glove page lists five sizes, X-Small to X-Large, and says the range makes it easier to choose the right amount of compression. Its separate product listing mentions four sizes, so check the current chart before you order.
- Measure first. Brownmed provides a measuring guide on the product page. Measure your hand as it shows and match the chart, rather than guessing from your usual glove size.
- Why fit matters. On its product listing, Brownmed warns that compression that is too tight can be dangerous and cut off circulation, and that compression that is too loose offers little relief. It also cautions against copies labeled universal or one size fits all.
- Between sizes. If your hands swell during the day, measure at the time you plan to wear them, and contact the maker for advice.
How to wear them
- Use the wrist cuff to pull the glove on, then ease each finger into place without rolling the edges.
- Check that the finger openings sit flat and do not dig in.
- Start with a few hours and build up. Brownmed says they can be worn day or night, but stop if fingers tingle, go numb or change color.
- Wash them regularly; Brownmed describes the cotton as washable.
The rest of the IMAK line
Brownmed's IMAK Compression brand page lists other items, including an Active glove, an arthritis wrist sleeve, elbow and knee sleeves, a copper knee sleeve, arthritis socks and a thumb support. If you are weighing copper versions of gloves or sleeves, read copper compression gloves: there is no good evidence that copper itself helps.
What to look for when you buy
IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves
Best for: People with arthritis who want light, warm compression with free fingertips
Brownmed describes cotton fabric, open fingertips, an extended wrist for easier dressing and five sizes from X-Small to X-Large.
Watch out: Use the maker's measuring guide. Expect comfort and warmth, not a treatment effect.
See options on AmazonOpen-finger cotton compression gloves (other makers)
Best for: Anyone who wants the same basic design from a different brand
The open-tip, mid-finger style resembles the gloves used in the A-GLOVES trial, which found warmth and comfort helped people as much as compression.
Watch out: Check for a real size chart rather than one size fits all.
See options on AmazonCompression gloves with palm grip dots
Best for: Jar opening, gardening and holding tools
Grip on the palm and fingers means less squeezing for the same hold.
Watch out: Grip dots can snag yarn, so skip them for knitting and crochet.
See options on AmazonSoft fleece fingerless gloves
Best for: People who want warmth without compression
In the A-GLOVES trial, loose non-compressive gloves helped about as much as compression gloves, and participants valued the warmth.
Watch out: No snug feel; may slip during fine tasks.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What are IMAK compression gloves used for?
- Brownmed says they are designed for people with arthritis, and another of its listings also names neuropathy and poor hand circulation. They give mild compression for warmth.
- Can you sleep in IMAK arthritis gloves?
- Brownmed says they are comfortable to use all day and night. Stop if your fingers tingle, swell or go numb.
- What sizes do IMAK arthritis gloves come in?
- Brownmed's arthritis glove page lists X-Small, Small, Medium, Large and X-Large, with a measuring guide on the page.
- Do IMAK gloves have open fingertips?
- Yes. Brownmed says the open fingertips allow freedom to feel, touch and grip.
- Is the IMAK glove recommended by the Arthritis Foundation?
- Brownmed states the gloves received the Arthritis Foundation's Ease of Use Commendation for their design. That recognizes ease of use, not pain relief.
Sources
- IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves (www.brownmed.com/product/imak-compression/arthritis-gloves/), Brownmed
- IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves (product listing) (www.brownmed.com/products/imak-compression-arthritis-gloves), Brownmed
- IMAK Compression (www.brownmed.com/our-brands/imak-compression/), Brownmed
- The effects of arthritis gloves on hand pain in people with rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis: a randomised controlled trial (A-GLOVES trial) (salford-repository.worktribe.com), Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, EULAR abstract (University of Salford repository)