IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves | Open-Finger Pair

IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves for Hands and Fingers

IMAK® Compression Arthritis Gloves combine mild compression, gentle warmth, and soft cotton stretch fabric in a lightweight, open-finger design. They cover the fingers, hand, and lower wrist while leaving the fingertips exposed for typing, touchscreen use, reading, crafts, and other everyday activities.

These reusable fingerless compression gloves are designed for people who want soft, pull-on hand support without rigid splints, adjustable straps, or bulky padding. The gloves are sold as one hand-specific pair and are available in multiple sizes for a closer fit.

The IMAK Compression Arthritis Glove is included in the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use program. That recognition relates to the product’s accessible design and usability; it should not be interpreted as proof that the gloves cure arthritis or work equally well for every user.

Product highlights

• Mild, nonadjustable compression

• Soft, breathable cotton stretch construction

• Open fingertips for touch, grip and fine-motor tasks

• Extended coverage across the hand and lower wrist

• No rigid splint or metal stay

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

• Reusable right-and-left pair

• Sizes X-Small through X-Large

• Suitable for daytime or nighttime comfort when tolerated

• Hand wash in cold water and air dry

• Listed in the Arthritis Foundation Ease of Use program

The gloves are a mild-compression product made from breathable cotton material. Their open-finger construction is intended to preserve tactile access while the gloves are being worn. 

Quick product specifications

What mild compression means

These are mild compression gloves, not high-pressure medical garments. They create a close, flexible fit around the hand and finger joints without using adjustable straps or a rigid support.

The design may be appropriate when the user wants:

• A warm, supported feeling around the hands

• Flexible fabric rather than a hard brace

• Fingertips available for touch and dexterity

• Light support during desk work, crafts or household activities

• A reusable garment that can be worn for longer periods when comfortable

Brownmed does not publish a graduated compression rating in mmHg for this product. The gloves should therefore not be described as “medical-grade compression” or as a substitute for a prescribed edema or lymphedema garment.

IMAK Compression Glove size chart

Measure the width of the hand across the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Keep the hand relaxed and the fingers together rather than spreading them apart.

Instructs users to measure the hand at the knuckles. Because the purpose is mild compression rather than maximum pressure, customers should not intentionally size down to make the gloves tighter.

How to measure your hand

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

2. Relax the fingers and hold them together naturally.

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

4. Do not include the thumb in the measurement.

5. Compare the measurement with the size chart above.

6. Measure both hands when swelling or hand dimensions differ.

A properly selected glove should feel close and supportive without causing throbbing, pinching, numbness, or finger discoloration.

How should compression arthritis gloves fit?

The gloves should lie smoothly against the hand without large folds or loose sections. Mild resistance while pulling them on is normal, but the fabric should not feel painful once positioned.

Signs of an appropriate fit

Signs that the gloves should be removed

Please remove the gloves if they cause the following:

• Increasing pain

• Numbness or pins and needles

• Cold, pale, blue or unusually red fingertips

• Throbbing or excessive pressure

• New skin irritation

• Increased swelling above or below the glove

• Loss of normal finger movement

How to put on the gloves

1. Remove rings or other hand jewelry.

2. Confirm that the correct glove is being used on each hand.

3. Gather the wrist section slightly rather than pulling from the fingertips.

4. Slide the fingers into their openings.

5. Work the fabric gradually over the knuckles.

6. Smooth wrinkles across the fingers, palm, and wrist.

7. Check fingertip color, sensation, and movement.

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

Avoid pulling forcefully on the open finger edges, as repeated stretching in one spot may shorten the life of the fabric.

Everyday activities with open-finger compression gloves

The exposed fingertips help preserve tactile feedback and direct contact with objects. The design may be convenient for:

• Typing and mouse use

• Touchscreen phones and tablets

• Reading and turning pages

• Sewing, knitting and crafts

• Writing

• Light household activities

• Resting or sleeping when the gloves remain comfortable

The standard IMAK Arthritis Gloves do not have the anti-slip palm treatment found on the manufacturer’s Active Gloves. Consider the surface being handled before using them for tasks requiring a secure grip. Brownmed distinguishes its Active Gloves by adding an anti-slip design to the fingers and palm. 

IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves compared with other hand supports

The IMAK gloves are most appropriate when flexibility and fingertip access matter more than immobilization. A person who needs thumb stabilization, wrist positioning, or a prescribed compression level should use the specific device selected for that purpose rather than treating these products as interchangeable.

Compression gloves versus other comfort options

These options address different goals. A compression glove should not be assumed to replace a brace, medication, exercise program, or temperature-based treatment. Balego’s broader Pain Management Modalities in Rehabilitation guide explains why symptom-management products should be selected according to the source of the limitation rather than used interchangeably. 

What the research says about arthritis gloves

Some customers value compression gloves for warmth, comfort, and the feeling of gentle support. However, the clinical evidence does not establish that specialized compression gloves consistently outperform similarly warm, loose-fitting gloves.

A randomized trial involving 206 adults with rheumatoid or undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis compared pressure-producing arthritis gloves with minimally compressive placebo gloves. Both groups reported small improvements, but researchers found no clinically important difference in hand pain, stiffness, or function between the groups after 12 weeks. Participants frequently identified warmth and comfort as the features they appreciated. 

For an accurate product page, use language such as:

• “Designed to provide mild compression”

• “May provide warmth and a supportive feel."

• “Intended for everyday hand comfort”

• “Individual results and tolerance vary."

Avoid unsupported promises such as the following:

• “Clinically proven to eliminate arthritis pain”

• “Restores circulation”

• “Reduces inflammation”

• “Promotes healing”

• “Treats neuropathy”

• “Prevents joint damage”

These gloves do not treat the underlying disease process in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathy, vascular disease, or another medical condition.

How long can the gloves be worn?

Brownmed positions the gloves for daytime or nighttime comfort. Wear time should nevertheless be based on fit, skin condition, and individual tolerance.

A practical approach is to begin with a shorter period and inspect the hands after removing the gloves. Longer wear may be reasonable when the gloves remain comfortable and there is no change in sensation, skin color, or swelling.

People with reduced sensation, significant circulatory impairment, unexplained hand swelling, or fragile skin should seek professional fit guidance before prolonged wear.

Cleaning and care

Brownmed’s care instructions are

1. Hand wash in cold water.

2. Allow the gloves to air dry completely.

Do not repeatedly stretch the finger openings while washing. Make sure the gloves are fully dry before wearing them again. 

Who may prefer these gloves?

The IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves may be a suitable product to consider for someone who:

• Prefers a soft fabric support

• Wants mild rather than firm compression

• Needs the fingertips exposed

• Does not require a rigid wrist or thumb splint

• Wants hand and lower-wrist coverage

• Values warmth and comfort during everyday activities

• Can independently monitor skin, sensation and fit

When to seek professional guidance

Consult a healthcare professional when hand symptoms are new, unexplained, worsening, or associated with the following:

• Sudden or severe swelling

• A red, hot or acutely painful joint

• Recent trauma

• Progressive weakness

• Persistent numbness

• Major color or temperature changes

• Open wounds or active skin disease

• A known vascular or neurologic disorder

• A need for medical-grade edema control

Compression gloves are comfort products and should not delay evaluation of a new injury or medical condition.

Frequently asked questions

Are these gloves sold individually or as a pair?

They are sold as one hand-specific pair containing a right and left glove.

Are the fingertips covered?

No. The fingertips remain exposed to preserve touch, dexterity, and direct contact with phone screens, keyboards, and small objects.

Are these medical-grade compression gloves?

Brownmed describes them as providing mild compression. The manufacturer does not publish a graduated mmHg rating for this product, so they should not be marketed as medical-grade lymphedema or edema garments.

Do the gloves contain a rigid splint?

No. They are flexible fabric gloves without a rigid stay. Customers needing joint immobilization or thumb and wrist stabilization should use a brace selected for that purpose.

Can the gloves cure arthritis?

No. The gloves do not cure arthritis or change the underlying disease. Some users may appreciate their warmth, coverage, and supportive feel, but results vary.

Can I wear them while typing?

The open fingertips make them more practical for typing and touchscreen use than full-finger gloves. The fabric should still be removed if it interferes with comfort or hand movement.

Can I sleep in the gloves?

The manufacturer describes them as suitable for day or night wear. They should be removed if they become hot, itchy, or painful or cause numbness, tingling, or color change.

How tight should the gloves feel?

They should be snug but not painful. Do not choose a smaller size simply to increase pressure.

How do I determine my size?

Measure the width of the hand across the knuckles without including the thumb, then use the manufacturer size chart.

How should the gloves be washed?

Hand wash them in cold water and air-dry completely.

Can I wear them over an open wound?

Do not place the gloves over an open wound, active infection, or irritated skin unless a healthcare professional has specifically directed their use.

Can these gloves replace a prescribed edema glove?

No. Prescribed edema and lymphedema garments use specific pressure levels, measurements, and coverage patterns that a mild over-the-counter compression glove does not provide.

Product-use notice: This product is intended to provide mild compression, warmth and flexible hand coverage. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, medical treatment, medication, a prescribed compression garment or a stabilizing orthosis. Stop use if the gloves cause pain, numbness, tingling, skin irritation or changes in finger color or temperature.