Do Copper Arthritis Gloves Work?

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, wearing copper jewelry has long been shown to have no clinical effect on arthritis. Gloves with copper filaments are unlikely to give relief for arthritis pain in any way other than the placebo effect.

This article discusses copper arthritis gloves, whether they work, and what the science says about them.

What Are Copper Arthritis Gloves?

Copper arthritis gloves are 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.

What Research Says About Copper Arthritis Gloves

Compression gloves may help alleviate some pain and swelling. It's even part of the mnemonic device "R.I.C.E." for treating injuries and inflammation: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

A 2016 review of scientific literature looked at studies assessing the effectiveness of compression gloves on people with arthritis in their hands. The researchers concluded that the trials were all too small and prone to serious error, and therefore it's impossible to know whether the gloves are effective for reducing pain.

A more recent study compared compression gloves to a looser-fitting placebo glove and concluded that the test subjects did not seem to derive any benefit from them.

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.

The researchers found that the cells exposed to copper had a reduced inflammatory response compared to those that were not exposed to copper.

However, it is important to note that laboratory studies on human cells do not necessarily translate to clinical effectiveness. Wearing copper gloves is not the same as exposing a cell culture to leached copper. It is also worth noting that the research was funded in partnership with Fine Cotton Factory Inc., the company that makes the copper-infused fabric used in the study.

Placebo Effect

The Arthritis Foundation notes that copper jewelry doesn't ease arthritis, so copper fibers in gloves are also unlikely to be effective. Still, copper gloves remain popular, and many people praise their effects. Healthcare providers think this may be because of the placebo effect.

The placebo effect occurs when you experience a beneficial health outcome that results from your belief that a product, medication, or procedure will help you. The placebo effect can be effective in relieving pain, but it is not due to the product's design.

If you tried copper arthritis gloves and think the manufacturer's made false claims or you have issues with your order, contact the Better Business Bureau for advice.

How to Buy Arthritis Gloves

Copper arthritis gloves are just one type of arthritis glove. You can also purchase simple compression gloves or arthritis gloves that are heated.

Arthritis gloves are generally considered safe, though they may aggravate the symptoms of other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. 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. When selecting a glove, look for one with a good return policy in case they don't fit well or cause irritation. Avoid fabrics that itch or rub and make sure the gloves are snug-fitting but not too tight. Choose a brand that can be washed and is easy to care for.

Some popular brands include:

• Vive Health Arthritis Gloves
• OrthoSleeve Wrist Compression Sleeve
• Thermoskin Thermal Compression Gloves
• Veturo 3D Infrared Gloves
• Dr. Frederick's Original Copper Arthritis Glove
  

Summary

Copper arthritis gloves are gloves that have copper fibers woven into them. 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 work to reduce swelling and pain like any other type of compression glove, though there is mixed evidence on whether compression gloves can help hand arthritis. Copper arthritis gloves may also work for some people due to the placebo effect.