Copper arthritis gloves are compression gloves that have copper fibers included.
They are marketed as helpful in relieving arthritis pain.
While some consumer reviews are positive, wearingcopperjewelry has long been shown to have no clinical effect onarthritis.
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Gloves with copper filaments are unlikely to give relief for arthritis pain in any way other than theplacebo effect.
This article discusses copper arthritis gloves, whether they work, and what the science says about them.
What Are Copper Arthritis Gloves?
Copperarthritis glovesare compression gloves made from cotton and/or other materials like spandex with copper fibers woven into the fabric.
Manufacturers claim that copper is naturally anti-inflammatory and that it can help strengthen bone.
Manufacturers say wearing copper arthritis gloves provides symptom relief for people with arthritis in their hands.
They also claim that the gloves can help treat pain from injury or repetitive stress.
How Long Can You Wear Copper Compression Gloves?
Compression gloves in general shouldn’t be worn for longer than eight hours.
What Research Says About Copper Arthritis Gloves
Compression glovesmay help alleviate some pain and swelling.
It’s even part of the mnemonic rig “R.I.C.E.”
for treating injuries and inflammation: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
A 2023 study specifically looked at copper-infused fabric and whether it might have anti-inflammatory properties.
The researchers leached copper from copper-infused fabric by soaking it in growth media.
Then they cultured human immune cells in the copper-infused growth media.
Wearing copper gloves is not the same as exposing a cell culture to leached copper.
Healthcare providers think this may be because of the placebo effect.
How to Buy Arthritis Gloves
Copper arthritis gloves are just one pop in of arthritis glove.
you’re free to also purchase simple compression gloves or arthritis gloves that are heated.
They may also irritate your skin or cause worsening of skin conditions like dermatitis.
Arthritis gloves can be expensive, and not every brand is comfortable for everyone.
Avoid fabrics that itch or rub and ensure the gloves are snug-fitting but not too tight.
Choose a brand that can be washed and is easy to care for.
Manufacturers claim that these gloves can help reduce the inflammation and swelling of hand arthritis.
However, the evidence that they are effective is poor.
Copper arthritis gloves may also work for some people due to the placebo effect.
A qualitative study into patients' views and experiences.Rheumatol Adv Pract.
2022;6(1):rkac007.
2023;18(9):e0287741.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0287741
Arthritis Foundation.Magnets, copper don’t ease arthritis pain.
2017;13:73-98. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093015
NIH: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Placebo effect.
