IMAK Compression Active Gloves | Anti-Slip Arthritis Gloves

IMAK® Compression Active Gloves combine mild hand compression with an anti-slip grip pattern designed for everyday activity. Unlike plain compression gloves, the Active Gloves include textured areas across the fingers and palm to provide additional surface contact while handling common objects.

The soft, breathable cotton fabric covers the fingers, hand, and lower wrist, while the open fingertips preserve direct touch and fine-motor access. The gloves contain no rigid splint, metal stay, or adjustable strap, making them a flexible option for people who want light compression without immobilizing the hand.

Each package contains one hand-specific right-and-left pair. Choose from small, medium, or large based on the width of the hand across the knuckles.

Why choose IMAK Active Gloves?

• Anti-slip pattern across the fingers and palm

• Open fingertips for direct touch and tactile feedback

• Mild, nonadjustable compression

• Soft, breathable cotton construction

• Flexible design without a rigid splint

• Extended coverage across the hand and lower wrist

• Pull-on design without hook-and-loop closures

• Suitable for light everyday activities when properly fitted

• Three sizes: Small, Medium and Large

• Sold as one right-and-left pair

• Hand washable and reusable

• Recognized through the Arthritis Foundation Ease of Use program

The Active Gloves differ from the standard compression gloves through the added anti-slip surface on the fingers and palm. 

Quick product specifications

What makes the Active Gloves different?

The defining feature is the textured grip pattern.

A conventional fabric compression glove may feel smooth against objects. The IMAK Active Gloves add anti-slip areas to the fingers and palm, making them more activity-oriented while maintaining exposed fingertips.

The Active Gloves should be selected when grip texture is useful. A rigid brace is more appropriate when the treatment goal is to restrict motion, maintain a prescribed joint position, or stabilize a specific wrist or thumb condition.

IMAK Active Gloves size chart

Measure the width of the hand across the widest part of the knuckles. Do not include the thumb.

Instructs users to measure at the knuckles and lists these three size limits. 

How to measure your hand

1. Place the hand palm-down on a flat surface.

2. Relax the hand and keep the fingers naturally together.

3. Measure straight across the widest part of the knuckles.

4. Exclude the thumb from the measurement.

5. Measure both hands when their dimensions differ.

6. Select the size corresponding to the larger measurement.

Do not intentionally select a smaller size to create stronger compression. These gloves are designed to provide mild compression, not maximum pressure.

How should the gloves fit?

A properly fitted glove should feel close and supportive without causing painful pressure. The fabric should remain smooth across the palm and fingers while permitting normal bending and straightening.

Remove the gloves if they produce pain, numbness, pins and needles, skin irritation, unusual swelling, or changes in fingertip color or temperature. Clinical hand-therapy guidance recommends regularly checking the skin, sensation, and color while wearing compression gloves. 

Activities suited to the Active Glove design

The anti-slip pattern can provide additional contact between the glove and an object. It does not increase muscle strength and does not guarantee that an object will not slip.

Intended-use environments include office work, hobbies, gardening, and other activities of daily living. The gloves should not be treated as protective outdoor or work gloves. 

How to put on the gloves

1. Remove rings and other hand jewelry.

2. Identify the right and left glove.

3. Gather the wrist portion slightly.

4. Insert each finger into its opening.

5. Work the fabric gradually over the knuckles.

6. Position the textured areas over the palm and gripping surfaces.

7. Smooth wrinkles without pulling forcefully on the finger openings.

8. Check finger color, temperature, sensation, and movement.

9. Begin with a shorter wear period when using the gloves for the first time.

Avoid pulling the gloves on by the exposed finger edges. Concentrated pulling can stretch the openings and shorten the useful life of the fabric.

Active Gloves are not protective work gloves

The word "active" refers to the activity-oriented grip design. It does not mean that these gloves provide occupational hand protection.

They are not designed to protect against:

• Cuts or punctures

• Abrasion from rough tools

• Chemicals or cleaning agents

• Heat or flame

• Electrical hazards

• Bodily fluids or contamination

• Heavy impact

• Cold-weather exposure

• Industrial or construction hazards

Use task-appropriate protective gloves whenever the activity presents one of these risks.

Active Gloves versus other comfort options

These options are not interchangeable. Our Pain Management Modalities in Rehabilitation guide explains why symptom-management products should be selected according to the functional limitation and treatment objective.

What do the gloves realistically provide?

The most supportable product description is that the gloves provide the following benefits:

• Mild compression

• Warmth

• A close, supported feeling

• Open-finger dexterity

• An anti-slip contact surface

• Flexible hand and lower-wrist coverage

They should not be described as clinically proven to:

• Cure arthritis

• Repair damaged joints

• Reverse neuropathy

• Restore circulation

• Reduce systemic inflammation

• Increase grip strength

• Prevent disease progression

• Heal an injury

Research into arthritis gloves generally remains inconclusive. In a randomized trial involving adults with rheumatoid or undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis, compression gloves did not produce clinically important improvements in pain, stiffness, or hand function compared with loose-fitting placebo gloves. Participants in both groups sometimes valued warmth and comfort. The trial did not specifically test the IMAK Active Gloves or their anti-slip surface. 

Arthritis Foundation Ease of Use recognition

The IMAK Compression Active Gloves are included in the Arthritis Foundation Ease of Use program. The program evaluates whether products are accessible and easier to operate for people with arthritis and other physical limitations.

This designation supports the usability of the glove design. It is not a clinical endorsement of pain-relief effectiveness and does not guarantee that every person with arthritis will benefit. 

Cleaning and care

Brownmed provides the following care directions:

1. Hand wash in cold water.

2. Air dry completely.

Do not wring the gloves, dry them with high heat, or repeatedly stretch the finger openings. Make sure they are fully dry before the next use. 

Who may prefer IMAK Active Gloves?

These gloves may be worth considering for someone who:

• Wants mild rather than firm compression

• Prefers soft fabric to a rigid hand brace

• Needs exposed fingertips

• Wants more palm traction than a plain compression glove provides

• Performs light desk, household or hobby activities

• Can independently check the skin and fingertips

• Does not require a prescribed compression pressure

• Does not need joint immobilization

When professional guidance is appropriate

Seek guidance from a physician, occupational therapist, or certified hand therapist when symptoms include the following:

• New or unexplained hand swelling

• Sudden severe pain

• A red or unusually hot joint

• Progressive numbness or weakness

• Significant skin-color changes

• A recent fracture, sprain or other trauma

• Open wounds or active skin infection

• Markedly reduced sensation

• A known circulatory disorder

• A need for medical edema or lymphedema management

A mild over-the-counter glove should not delay evaluation of a new injury, neurologic symptom, or vascular concern.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between IMAK Active Gloves and regular arthritis gloves?

The active gloves include an anti-slip pattern across the palm and fingers. Regular compression gloves usually have a smoother surface and are oriented more toward warmth and general compression.

Are the gloves sold individually?

No. Each package contains a hand-specific right-and-left pair.

Are the fingertips covered?

No. The fingertips remain exposed for direct touch, typing, touchscreen use, and fine motor tasks.

Are these full-finger work gloves?

No. They are therapeutic compression gloves and do not protect against cuts, chemicals, impact, heat, or punctures.

Do the gloves provide medical-grade compression?

The manufacturer describes the compression as mild but does not publish a graduated mmHg rating. They should not be represented as prescribed medical-grade edema or lymphedema garments.

Do they contain a wrist or thumb splint?

No. The gloves are made from flexible fabric and contain no rigid stay.

Will the anti-slip palm make my hands stronger?

No. The pattern may increase surface contact with some objects, but it does not increase muscle strength or replace adaptive equipment.

Can I wear them while typing?

Yes, provided the fit remains comfortable. The open fingertips permit direct contact with a keyboard and touchscreen.

Can I wear the gloves at night?

Brownmed describes the material as suitable for extended wear. Nighttime use should be discontinued if the gloves cause heat, itching, throbbing, numbness, or fingertip changes.

How do I determine my size?

Measure straight across the widest portion of the knuckles without including the thumb. Small fits widths up to 3⅛ inches, medium up to 3½ inches, and large up to 4 inches.

How tight should they feel?

They should feel close and mildly compressive, not painful or restrictive. Do not size down simply to increase pressure.

How are the gloves cleaned?

Hand wash them in cold water and allow them to air dry.

Can I use these instead of a wrist brace?

They are not suitable when joint positioning or motion restriction is required. The Active Gloves provide flexible compression but no rigid wrist or thumb stabilization.

Can they replace prescribed edema gloves?

No. A prescribed edema or lymphedema glove may require exact measurements, pressure specifications, and coverage that this product does not provide.

Product-use notice: IMAK Compression Active Gloves are intended to provide mild compression, warmth and an anti-slip contact surface. They are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, disease treatment, prescribed compression garments or protective work gloves. Stop using the gloves if they cause pain, numbness, tingling, skin irritation or changes in finger color or temperature.