Compression gloves

Hand Pain, Stiffness, and Fatigue: What People Often Struggle With

Injuries such as tendonitis or repetitive strain injury, and conditions like arthritis or Raynaud’s disease, can turn using your hands into hard work. You might notice:

• aching or stiffness when you grip, twist or lift,
• fingers that feel swollen or “puffy” and do not bend properly,
• tingling or numbness in parts of the hand,
• hands that tire quickly with repeated tasks such as typing or using tools,
• or fingers that become very cold and painful in cooler temperatures.

For many people these symptoms are worse at certain times of day – for example first thing in the morning, after long spells of use, or in the cold. They may come and go rather than being constant, but over time they can still get in the way of work, hobbies and everyday independence. It is understandable to feel discouraged by that.

To understand when compression gloves might help, it is useful to look at what is happening inside the hands when they start to hurt or feel tired.

Why the Hands Hurt: Joints, Tendons, Nerves, Circulation, and Swelling

Most hand problems affect one or more of the following: the joints, tendons, nerves, blood vessels and the soft tissues around them.

Joints and inflammation

Joints such as those in the fingers, thumb and wrist allow the bones to move smoothly against each other. In arthritis, the lining of the joint becomes swollen and sore, and over time the smooth joint surfaces can wear and become less even. These patterns are more common as people get older, after previous joint injuries, or in people with autoimmune conditions.

In the hands this often leads to:

• painful, swollen knuckle joints,
• stiffness first thing in the morning or after rest,
• difficulty making a full fist or gripping objects firmly.

When the joint lining is inflamed, fluid collects inside the joint space. There is less room for the joint surfaces to move, so everyday movements like gripping a handle, twisting a tap or turning a key can feel sharp or aching. Joints may “flare up” for a few days, then ease again but leave a background stiffness that does not fully go away.

Tendons and repeated strain

Tendons are strong cords that attach muscles to bones. In the hands and wrists they run through narrow tunnels and under small pulleys each time you bend or straighten your fingers and thumb. When the same movements are repeated many times, or when tendons are asked to work harder or longer than they are used to, the tendon and its lining can become irritated and thickened.

Typical signs include:

• pain along the line of a tendon when you move it,
• tenderness when you press on that spot,
• a grating or catching sensation as the tendon moves in its sheath.

Tendon problems are common in people who type a lot, use hand tools regularly, play musical instruments, or start new activities that demand more from their hands. They often begin as a small “niggle” linked to a specific movement and, if ignored, can become more constant and make even light work feel sore.

In De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become sore, often when lifting, wringing or holding objects with the thumb stretched away from the hand. In trigger finger, a tendon at the base of a finger thickens and does not glide smoothly through its pulley, so the finger may catch or click when you try to straighten it.

Nerves and “tunnel” pressure

Nerves carry signals to and from the hand. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through a tight space at the wrist. This space also contains several tendons. Extra swelling in the area, or holding the wrist bent for long periods, can narrow the space further and increase pressure on the nerve.

Typical signs include:

• tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers,
• symptoms that are worse at night and may wake you from sleep,
• weakness in grip or awkwardness with fine movements.

Symptoms may begin as occasional night‑time tingling and, if the nerve remains under pressure, can become more frequent and start to appear during the day. If the pressure on the nerve continues for a long time, symptoms can become more persistent and grip may weaken.

When the small nerves in the hands and feet are damaged (peripheral neuropathy), often due to conditions such as diabetes, people may feel burning pain, odd “pins and needles” sensations or numbness. When feeling is reduced or changed, it becomes harder to judge how firmly you are gripping or exactly where your fingers are, which affects control and confidence in using your hands.

Blood flow and cold sensitivity

In Raynaud’s disease, the small blood vessels in the fingers tighten more than they should in response to cold or stress. This reduces blood flow. Fingers can turn very pale or blue, feel extremely cold and numb, and then become red, tingling and painful as circulation returns. Episodes can last several minutes and are often very uncomfortable and worrying. They can be triggered by outdoor cold, holding cold objects, or being in chilled indoor spaces.

Swelling and fluid build‑up

Swelling from fluid build‑up, known as edema, and lymphedema after some surgeries, can leave hands looking and feeling swollen, heavy and tight. Fluid collects in the soft tissues around joints and tendons, stretching the skin and leaving less space for the structures to move. After surgery or injury, swelling around the operated or injured area is common, especially in the first few days and weeks, and can limit how far the fingers and wrist can bend or straighten. Swelling often worsens if the hand hangs down for long periods and eases a little with elevation and gentle movement.

In all of these situations, structures in the hand are being stressed or compressed. That might be from joint inflammation, repeated tendon loading, pressure on a nerve, reduced circulation or fluid build‑up. Changing how much pressure is on these structures, how far and how often they move, and how warm they are can make a real difference to comfort. Joint and tendon problems often respond to support and reduced strain, circulation‑related symptoms are sensitive to warmth, and swelling is influenced by steady pressure that helps fluid move back into the circulation.

Why Compression Gloves Make Sense for Many Hand Problems

Compression gloves sit closely around the hand and wrist to give a gentle pressure and a layer of warmth. This is why they are widely used in hand rehabilitation and in managing long‑term hand conditions.

The steady pressure helps limit build‑up of fluid in the soft tissues. When swelling is better controlled, the hand is less likely to feel tight and heavy, and it is usually easier to bend and straighten the fingers.

The snug fabric helps the hands stay warm. Many people with arthritis or circulation‑related pain notice that warmth eases stiffness and makes movement less of a shock for cold, painful fingers. Warmer tissues generally move more smoothly and comfortably.

Because the glove surrounds the hand and wrist, it gives a light sense of support. It does not act like a rigid splint, but it can gently encourage the hand and wrist towards a more neutral, mid‑range position, reducing extreme bending or twisting during ordinary use of your hands. For irritated tendons and sore joints, that can mean less strain each time you grip, twist or lift.

The feel of the glove against the skin also acts as a reminder. It makes you more aware of how much and how often you are using the hand. This can help you naturally ease off fast, repeated movements or awkward positions that you know tend to bring on your pain.

Because of this, compression gloves can play a useful role in helping you cope with symptoms in problems where swelling, cold sensitivity, joint irritation or tendon overuse are involved.

Who Compression Gloves May Help (and When to Get Extra Advice)

Compression gloves are often used to support comfort in a range of hand problems. They may be worth considering if you notice:

• ongoing aching, stiffness or tenderness in the small joints of the hands,
• mild to moderate swelling in the fingers or hand,
• pain linked to repetitive hand use or manual work,
• cold‑sensitive fingers that feel better when they are warm,
• tired, cramp‑prone hands after long periods of use,
• or mild, stable tingling or altered feeling that has already been assessed by a clinician.

They are usually used alongside other measures such as hand exercises, medication prescribed by a doctor, advice on breaking up tasks into shorter spells with brief pauses, and in some cases splints or braces. The gloves are there to support comfort and day‑to‑day function rather than to replace medical treatment.

It is important to speak to a GP, physiotherapist or other health professional before relying on compression gloves if you notice:

• sudden, severe hand pain or a lot of swelling that appears quickly,
• a clear change in the shape of your hand or fingers, especially if it appears quickly or is getting worse,
• new or rapidly worsening weakness or clumsiness,
• signs of infection, such as redness, heat and fever, or open wounds,
• very pale, blue or very cold fingers, especially if this is new for you,
• or a history of circulation problems or blood clots.

If you already wear splints, bandages or other supports, or if you have a known lymphatic condition, compression gloves should be used in line with the advice you have been given. If you are unsure whether compression gloves are suitable for you, speaking to a GP or physiotherapist is a good idea.

Common Hand Problems Where Compression Gloves Are Used

Inflamed and Painful Joints (Arthritis and Gout)

Joint‑based problems often show up as morning stiffness and deep aching in the fingers and thumbs. In inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid‑type arthritis, the immune system attacks the joint lining, leading to ongoing inflammation. In more wear‑and‑tear patterns, the smooth joint surfaces gradually wear, sometimes after years of use or previous injuries.

In the hands this can cause:

• painful, swollen knuckle joints,
• stiffness first thing in the morning or after rest,
• difficulty making a tight fist or gripping firmly,
• symptoms that often feel worse in cold, damp weather.

Because the joint lining is inflamed and there is extra fluid inside the joint, the bones have less space to move smoothly. Movements like turning a key, wringing out cloths or pushing up from a surface can then feel unexpectedly sharp or tiring. That sort of stiffness and aching can wear you down over time.

Compression gloves can help with these joint‑related patterns by:

• giving steady pressure around the joints and soft tissues, which helps control mild swelling and reduce the sense of tightness,
• keeping the hands warm, so stiff joints feel easier to start moving in the morning or after a period of rest,
• offering gentle support that can make gripping and twisting feel more secure, so you are more willing to move the joints within a comfortable range.

Some people with arthritic hands find wearing gloves overnight helpful for warmth and to ease morning stiffness. Others prefer to use them during the day, especially for tasks that tend to set their joints off. Both approaches are used; a clinician can advise if one is better suited to your situation.

Gout is another form of arthritis where sharp crystals form inside a joint. It is well known for affecting the big toe, but joints in the hands can also be involved. Affected joints can become very hot, red, swollen and extremely painful over a short period. The underlying cause is a raised level of uric acid in the blood, which needs medical treatment and lifestyle advice to control.

During a severe gout flare, even the light touch of fabric can sometimes be too painful. Between flares, when joints feel sore and puffy rather than acutely inflamed, steady compression and warmth from gloves may help reduce lingering swelling and aching in the hands. Medical treatment to control gout remains central; gloves are there to support comfort in between attacks.

Tendon and Overuse Problems (Tendonitis, Repetitive Strain Injury, De Quervain’s, Trigger Finger)

Tendon‑driven problems in the hands tend to flare with certain movements and tasks. They often start as a small “niggle” linked to a specific activity and, if ignored, can become more constant and make even light work feel sore. They are common in people who type a lot, use hand tools regularly, play musical instruments, or begin a new role that demands more from their hands.

Typical features include:

• pain along the course of a tendon when you move it in a particular way,
• tenderness when you press on the tendon,
• a grating or catching feeling as the tendon moves in its tunnel.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. The pain is usually felt when lifting, wringing or holding objects with the thumb stretched away from the hand. Mild swelling and tenderness near the base of the thumb are common.

Trigger finger occurs when a tendon at the base of a finger becomes thickened and does not glide smoothly through its pulley. The finger can catch or lock when bent, sometimes releasing with a click. There may be a tender lump in the palm at the base of the finger.

With repeated strain, the tendon and its sheath rub against each other more than they can easily tolerate, which leads to irritation and small amounts of swelling. If you continue heavy or repetitive tasks without enough breaks, the tendon has little chance to settle.

Compression gloves can help in several ways:

• steady pressure along the fingers and hand can limit small swings in swelling around irritated tendons,
• the snug fit around the hand and wrist can reduce extreme bent or twisted positions and keep movements slightly more controlled,
• the warmth around the tendons can make movement feel smoother and less stiff,
• the feel of the glove can act as a reminder not to push through sharp pain or rush repetitive work.

For tendon and overuse problems, compression gloves are usually most helpful when combined with other measures, such as adjusting how long and how often you do certain tasks, breaking longer jobs into shorter spells with brief pauses, and following any exercise programme advised by a clinician. If gripping becomes noticeably weaker, or fingers start to give way unexpectedly, that is a sign to seek further assessment rather than simply increasing glove use.

Nerve‑Related Symptoms (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Peripheral Neuropathy)

Many people first notice carpal tunnel‑type problems at night. They wake with tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers and feel the need to shake or move the hand to bring sensation back. At first this may be occasional. Over time, if the nerve remains under pressure, night‑time symptoms can become more frequent and daytime symptoms may begin, such as dropping objects and awkwardness with fine tasks like fastening buttons.

This happens because the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through a tight space at the wrist, along with several tendons. Swelling in the area, or holding the wrist bent for long periods, can narrow the space and put more pressure on the nerve.

Compression gloves cannot widen the carpal tunnel. They do not replace splints or surgery where these are needed. However, when symptoms are milder and are being managed without surgery, gloves can help with comfort by:

• providing light pressure and warmth around the wrist and hand, which can reduce mild soft‑tissue swelling,
• gently encouraging a more neutral wrist position,
• giving the hand a more supported feel during everyday use.

More marked or persistent carpal tunnel symptoms, such as constant numbness, clear loss of strength or changes in hand muscle bulk, may require specific wrist splints, exercises, injections or surgery. Advice from a GP or specialist is important in those situations.

When the small nerves in the hands are damaged (peripheral neuropathy), people often notice burning pain, unusual “pins and needles” sensations or numbness. Gloves cannot repair the nerves or treat the underlying cause, but they can sometimes make the hands feel less sensitive to cold or light touch by adding a layer of warmth and gentle contact. Some people also find that having the fabric against the skin makes them more aware of where their fingers are during simple tasks such as holding cutlery or writing.

Any new or rapidly worsening numbness, tingling, weakness or clumsiness in the hands should be assessed by a clinician, even if gloves feel comfortable.

Circulation and Cold‑Sensitive Hands (Raynaud’s Disease)

People with Raynaud’s‑type problems often recognise a very specific pattern. In response to cold or stress, fingers suddenly turn white or blue, feel very cold and numb, and then become red, tingling and painful as the blood flow returns. Episodes can be distressing and may make you dread going out in the cold.

In Raynaud’s disease, small blood vessels in the fingers tighten more than they should, reducing blood flow. Some people have “primary” Raynaud’s, where no other cause is found. For others it is linked to an underlying condition.

Keeping the hands warm and avoiding rapid cooling is central to managing this kind of problem. Planning shorter exposures to cold and keeping the rest of the body warm can also help. Compression gloves that provide warmth and a light pressure around the fingers can help the hands stay at a steadier temperature, which may lessen how severe episodes feel for some people. They are usually most useful when put on before exposure to cold, rather than once an episode has already started.

They do not cure Raynaud’s or take the place of any medication or medical advice, but they can be one of several practical ways to protect sensitive hands, especially in cooler conditions. If you think you may have Raynaud’s and have not been assessed, it is sensible to speak to a GP.

Swelling and Post‑Surgical Recovery (Edema, Lymphedema, Sprains and Strains, Post‑surgical Swelling)

After an injury or operation, it is common to look down and see a hand that looks puffier and feels heavier than usual. This is usually most marked in the first few days and weeks. Swelling often gets worse when the hand hangs down for long periods, eases a little with elevation and light movement, and limits how far you can bend and straighten your fingers.

In sprains and strains, ligaments and muscles around a joint are overstretched or torn. The body sends extra fluid and cells to the area as part of the healing response, and this swelling, while normal, can be painful and restrict movement in the short term.

After hand or wrist surgery, swelling is also part of normal healing. However, swelling that is very hot, very red, clearly worsening or associated with fever needs prompt review, as it can signal a problem rather than just normal post‑surgical swelling.

Compression gloves can help in these post‑injury and post‑surgical situations by:

• applying a steady pressure that encourages excess fluid to move back into the circulation and away from the hand,
• reducing the feeling of tightness and heaviness so it feels easier to bend and straighten the fingers within a safe range,
• providing a soft, supportive layer around healing tissues during light everyday use.

After surgery, surgeons or therapists will usually give specific advice on when to start using compression and what type to use. That advice should take priority. For sprains and strains, gloves are often introduced once the very acute swelling and bruising are starting to settle, rather than immediately at the time of injury.

In lymphedema, where the lymphatic system does not clear fluid effectively, specialised compression garments often need to be recommended and fitted by healthcare professionals. Lighter compression gloves like these may be more suitable for milder swelling or for maintenance, and should be used on the advice of a clinician if you have a known lymphatic condition.

Compression is usually just one part of rehabilitation from sprains, strains and surgery. Elevation, movement exercises and regular follow‑up all play important roles.

General Hand Fatigue, Tremors and Movement‑Related Problems

Hand fatigue

Hand fatigue is very common in both manual and desk‑based work. The small muscles and supporting tissues in the hand and forearm work continuously as you grip, type, use tools or carry objects. Without enough breaks they can become tired and sore. This can feel like:

• a deep aching or cramping in the hands,
• reduced grip strength by the end of the day,
• a sense that the hands are over‑worked and slow to recover.

Poor general conditioning, awkward posture and long unbroken periods of work can all contribute.

By providing gentle support around the muscles and joints, compression gloves can help the hands feel better supported during these tasks. The snug fit can encourage blood flow and may help reduce the build‑up of fatigue, so it is easier to continue with light activities. Gloves tend to work best alongside regular short breaks, stretching and, where appropriate, strengthening exercises.

Tremors and movement control

Hand tremors are involuntary shaking or trembling of the hands. They can arise for many reasons, including neurological conditions and the side effects of some medications. Tremors can make precise movements, such as writing or using cutlery, harder and can be frustrating to live with.

Wearing snug gloves can, for some people, give the hands a steadier feel. Extra contact on the skin and a slight resistance to the movement can make some tasks feel a bit more controlled. The gloves do not reduce the underlying tremor or treat its cause, but they may help some people feel more confident with everyday tasks.

Any new tremor, or a tremor that is spreading or worsening, should be checked by a doctor.

Dupuytren’s contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition where tissue in the palm thickens and tightens over time, pulling one or more fingers towards the palm. This can cause lumps and cords in the palm and can gradually limit how far the affected fingers can straighten. It often develops slowly over years.

Compression gloves cannot stop the underlying tissue change or reverse bent fingers. However, a gentle, steady pressure on the hand may make the area feel more comfortable and supported during everyday use, for example when gripping tools or handles. Decisions about treatment for Dupuytren’s, such as splints, injections or surgery, should be made with a specialist. Gloves are best seen as a comfort aid rather than a way to alter how the condition progresses.

How This Compression Glove Range Works in Practice

This range of compression gloves from NuovaHealth is designed to support the kinds of joint, tendon, nerve and circulation problems described above in daily use. The gloves are made from medical‑grade elastic materials and are checked so that they give a steady, comfortable level of compression when you wear them, so they feel consistent and reliable.

When you wear them, you may notice that:

• the hands feel gently squeezed rather than loose, which can help manage mild swelling and support blood flow,
• the warmth from the fabric makes stiff or cold hands feel easier to move,
• the joints and tendons feel more supported during gripping, lifting and repeated hand movements,
• you are more aware of how much you are using your hands.

The gloves are cut to follow the natural shape of the hand and fingers, with careful seam placement to reduce rubbing over common pressure points such as the knuckles and the base of the thumb. Clinicians reported that seams over arthritic knuckles often rubbed and became sore, so seam lines are positioned to avoid those areas wherever possible. This helps the gloves stay comfortable when worn for longer periods during work or daily activities.

Within the range:

• some styles place more emphasis on warmth, which may suit those with cold‑sensitive or arthritic hands,
• others extend further over the wrist to give a little more support for tendon and overuse problems on the thumb side,
• fingerless designs allow fingertip feel and fine movement while still supporting the hand,
• full‑finger options are more suited to people who need extra warmth and full coverage.

The compression level is mild to moderate, chosen so that most adults can wear the gloves during everyday tasks without feeling overly restricted, while still gaining the benefits of steady pressure and warmth. Sizes are available to suit a wide range of adult hand shapes, from smaller to larger hands, reflecting the variety in hand sizes.

Choosing, Fitting, and Wearing Compression Gloves Safely

Compression gloves should fit snugly but comfortably around your hands and fingers. They should provide even pressure without causing pain, numbness, or changes in skin colour. When the gloves are on:

• your fingers should not turn pale, blue or very red,
• you should still be able to move your fingers and wrist through a useful range,
• you should not feel new pins and needles or loss of feeling.

If the gloves leave deep marks that do not fade after a short time, or your fingers feel cold, numb or unusually tingly while wearing them, they may be too tight and should be removed.

Choosing the correct size is important so that the gloves can provide the intended level of compression and support. Measuring around the hand as shown in the sizing guidance usually gives a good indication of the right size. Fingerless or full‑finger options can be selected based on whether you need fingertip dexterity, extra warmth, or both.

Compression gloves can be worn:

• during activities that tend to trigger your hand pain or fatigue,
• at times of day when stiffness or cold are at their worst,
• and, after appropriate advice, sometimes overnight if morning stiffness is a particular problem.

If you are new to compression gloves, it can be sensible to:

• start by wearing them for shorter periods, for example a few hours at a time,
• see how your hands feel during and after wearing them,
• gradually build up the time if they feel comfortable and helpful.

Many people find that wearing them for several hours spread through the day is comfortable, but the exact amount of time varies. Following the washing and care instructions helps the gloves stay comfortable and supportive. Repeated very hot washing can reduce elasticity over time, so lukewarm washing is usually preferred.

What to Expect Over Time and When to Seek Further Help

Many people who wear compression gloves notice that their hand pain, stiffness and swelling feel easier to manage, that their grip feels more secure, and that their hands feel less tired after a full day of activity. People with cold‑sensitive hands may find that their fingers stay warmer and more comfortable.

The amount of benefit varies from person to person. It depends on the underlying condition, how advanced it is, what other treatments you are using, and how often the gloves are worn. Some people notice a clear improvement in comfort and day‑to‑day function, while others experience more modest change. In some situations, other treatments or supports are still needed.

Compression gloves are not a cure for arthritis, gout, Dupuytren’s contracture, neuropathy or other long‑term conditions. They are one useful aid among others, alongside things like exercise, medication, and changes to how long and how often you put strain on your hands.

You should seek advice from a GP, physiotherapist or another qualified health professional if:

• your pain is getting worse rather than better,
• you have new or increasing numbness or tingling in your hand,
• your grip is becoming weaker or you are dropping objects more often,
• your fingers change colour or temperature in a worrying way when wearing the gloves,
• or swelling is increasing rather than settling.

Trust, Testing, and Guarantee

NuovaHealth’s compression gloves are made from medical‑grade materials and checked so that they provide a steady, comfortable level of compression when worn. The designs have been developed with input from clinicians who regularly see people with hand arthritis, tendon problems and nerve compression, with a focus on supporting gripping, lifting and fine handling, which are the movements many people find most difficult when they have hand pain or stiffness. Clinicians also highlighted that people are more likely to keep using supports they can wear while working, so this range is kept thin and low‑profile enough to sit under normal clothing and workwear in most cases.

All the gloves also come with a money‑back guarantee. If you find any fault with the gloves or feel they are not suitable for you, you can return them for a refund within the guarantee period set out in the product information. Details of how to do this are provided clearly alongside each product.

Summary and Next Steps

Hand pain, stiffness, fatigue, swelling, numbness and cold sensitivity can all arise from changes in joints, tendons, nerves, circulation and fluid build‑up. These changes can make everyday tasks such as gripping, lifting, writing and fastening clothes more difficult and uncomfortable.

Compression gloves are designed to provide gentle pressure, warmth and support to the hands and fingers. By helping to control mild swelling, support blood flow, and reduce strain on sensitive joints and tendons, they can make ordinary hand use feel more manageable for many people.

If these problems sound familiar, compression gloves may be worth considering as part of looking after your hands. You can discuss them with a GP or physiotherapist if you are unsure whether they are right for you. If you decide to try a pair, pay attention to how your comfort and function change over a few days or weeks, and remember that results vary and that other treatments and self‑care measures may still be needed.

Important Information

The information here is intended as general guidance about hand problems and the possible role of compression gloves. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, or if they are severe, changing or not improving, you should seek advice from a GP, physiotherapist or other appropriate health professional. No specific result from using compression gloves can be guaranteed. These products are usually most helpful when used alongside other treatments and self‑care, and the content here is aimed at adult readers in the UK.