The 8 Best Heated Gloves for Arthritis & Hand Injuries (2023)

While regular gloves only act as a barrier to keep your hands warm by trapping the heat of your hands, infrared-heated gloves actively generate additional heat using infrared radiation technology – to keep your hands warm and increase your blood circulation.

Infrared gloves directly warm your hands, providing a cozy and comfortable feeling even in cold temperatures, and improving blood circulation – which is very beneficial for people with hand arthritis, swelling, wrist pain, carpal tunnel, Raynaud’s, trigger fingers, and chronic cold hands.

But:

How do you choose the best heated gloves for arthritis, neuropathy, Raynaud’s Syndrome, and cold hands?

What’s the difference between bio-ceramic gloves and electric-heated gloves?

You’ll get all the answers here.

👉 In a Hurry?

See our short comparison table first, or you can jump to our detailed infrared gloves reviews – below.

Infrared Therapy Gloves	Bottom Line	Heat/Compression	Price
Savior Heated Gloves	Longest Battery Life	High heat (3 temp. settings) Low compression	✅ $139 on Amazon
IMAK Arthritis Gloves	Best for Arthritis Non-electric	Modeate heat Moderate compression	✅ $19 at Arthritis Supplies
Toasty Touch Ultra Thin Heated Gloves	Best for Typing Thinnest Rechargeable	3 heat settings	✅ $120 at Toasty Touch
Comfy Brace Hand Compression Gloves	Best Budget	Moderate heat Moderate compression	✅ $10 on Amazon
Intellinetix Vibrating Gloves	Best with Vibration	Low heat Moderate Compression Moderate vibration	✅ $119 on Amazon
LED Hand Pain Relief Mitten	Best LED Gloves	Moderate heat LED light therapy	✅ $127 with code BLACK at Sharper Image

What is an Infrared Therapy Glove?

An infrared therapy glove uses body-emitted or electrical heat to boost blood circulation in your hands, fingers, and wrist.

To understand infrared radiation, think of it as a form of heat energy that you can’t see with your eyes but can feel on your skin.

It’s like the heat you experience when you hold your hands near a warm cup of tea or sit close to a bonfire.

Infrared gloves can significantly relieve symptoms such as hand and finger pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, and wrist pain.

Occupational therapists often recommend infrared therapy gloves to people living with arthritis, neuropathy, Raynaud’s, strained hand ligaments, and more.

👉 For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome we recommend a heated wrist wrap and a heated hand massager!

There are plenty of heat therapy gloves on the market:

• Some are made with heat-retaining infrared (ceramic) fabric
• Some are electric (battery-operated) FIR gloves
• Some are microwaveable.

Some cover the entire hand and fingers, and others leave the top of your fingers exposed.

👉 We also recommend heated socks for people with Neuropathy, Diabetes, and all conditions causing cold or achy feet.

So, what’s the difference between all these therapeutic heated gloves?

Bio-Ceramic Gloves vs. Electric Heated Gloves

Bio Ceramic gloves (also known as Arthritis gloves) are usually designed to be somewhat tight – to add compression therapy to the heat and promote more blood circulation.

They mostly cover only the lower part of your fingers, and you’ll need to wear them for at least 8 hours a day to get the full benefits.

Electric heated gloves cover the entire hand, fingers, and wrist, are electrically heated, have various heat settings, and you’ll need less treatment time.

However, they are bigger, and heavier, and do not offer compression therapy.

Also, you won’t be able to work with your hands while they are on (but you can sleep comfortably with them).

The 8 Best Infrared Heated Gloves 

Through our research, here are the top-rated heated gloves:

1. Intellinetix Vibrating Gloves – Best with Vibration

Vibration is a great upgrade when it comes to electric heated gloves because it adds the benefits of gentle massage and relaxation to your treatment (and helps distract you from the pain).

Vibration is a subtle, yet effective, method of increasing blood circulation and warming that can help hand numbness and pain – without being too aggressive.

(For the full benefits of massaging your hands – see the best heated hand massagers)

The Intellinetix soft and breathable gloves slip on just like any other glove, but then, with a push of a button, it starts vibrating gently through small motors inside the fabric, and low, gentle heat spreads around your hand.

You’ll only need 20-30 minutes twice a day for long-lasting results, but these vibrating gloves can run for 40 minutes without recharging (with a USB cable).

Pros

• Provide pain relief as well as warmth if you have Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, or any type of arthritisUsers say that the vibration feature really does work to reduce pain
• A recent Stanford study found that wearing the glove for two hours, twice a day, can relieve tremors, stiffness, abnormal walking, slow body movement, and balance problems associated with Parkinson’s

Cons

• The vibration feature requires an hour of charge between every half hour of use

✅ Available at FSA Store ($119) and on Amazon ($119)

2. Savior Arthritis Heated Gloves – Longest Battery Life

The Savior battery-operated heated gloves emit infrared rays via carbon fiber fabric and heating elements and can be set to 3 different temperature settings (Low/Medium/High) – which is ideal for Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel, Raynaud’s, and outdoor activities.

The Savior gloves are made with an external layer of 40% lambskin and 60% polyester, breathable, waterproof, and wind-resistant.

They feel warm even before you turn them on.

The internal part is made of a soft pearl cotton insulation layer with heat elements and a pair of 2200mAh rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

They cover the entire hand and come in 5 sizes to choose from – to ensure a perfect fit.

They are 100% portable, waterproof, and wind-resistant, and are designed to use for a variety of outdoor activities, and winter sports, but they can also be used for hand pain treatment, including Fibromyalgia.

However, the gloves are not as effective in temperatures below 10°F.

We recommend using these gloves for at least 2-4 hours – twice a day – to get the full benefits.

Pros

• Not overly bulky for heavy winter gloves
• Soft and flexible, with anti-slip material on palms
• Warm even without the heating element turned on3
• Touchscreen-sensitive index finger and thumb
• Leather palm for a good grip

Cons

• Not as effective in temperatures below 10°F
• Not waterproof

✅ Available at Walmart ($139) and on Amazon ($139)

Interestingly, all four types of pain are decreased or completely relieved while I wear battery-operated heated gloves, even without pain medication. In addition, wearing the gloves decreased the swelling in my fingers to the point that I can now make a fist, which was impossible prior to continuous  heated glove use” – The Rheumatologist

3. IMAK Arthritis Compression Gloves  – Best for Arthritis

IMAK, one of the leading brands of compression products designed for arthritis, has earned the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use badge, for their different types of gloves.

They are also designed to relieve carpal tunnel, tendinitis, and joint swelling. They are easy to pull on and off because of the additional length.

The IMAK gloves are lightweight and made with 92% cotton and 8% spandex.

They are breathable, fit snuggly, and feel comfortable even if you wear them all day.

They offer light compression and warmth and help boost circulation to relieve pain and promote healing.

The open fingertips allow you to touch and grip and they are perfect for doing your daily chores.

They do not dry out your hands, and they are great to use in the summer to prevent hand pain and swelling.

The only con is you have to know how to measure your hands to order the right size for you.

Here’s how to do it:

Lay a ruler, straight edge, or tape down flat on the table. Then, lay your hand on the numbers; put the Zero at one edge as you are looking down over your hand. If you see 2 3/4 inches or less, order the XS; more than that, and up to 3 1/8 inches you need a Small size.

The Medium is up to 3 1/2 inches and the Large is up to 4 inches.

With compression gloves, having the correct size determines the success and pain relief provided.

Pros

• Endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation
• Lightweight and breathable
• The fabric prevents the palms from getting too sweaty

Cons

• Requires accurate measuring of your hands for the compression to work

✅ Available at Arthritis Supplies ($19) and on Amazon ($19)

4. Thermoskin Arthritic Gloves – Best for Trigger Fingers

Thermoskin is an Australian-based company with 30 years of experience in making arthritis gloves.

These warming compression gloves are made with Trioxon lining to capture your natural body’s heat, while the outer layer is textured for better grip (textured palms) –  for gardening, cooking, sewing, and household chores.

The design of these therapeutic gloves provides compression while helping to control swelling and stabilizing of painful finger joints.

They are also anatomically shaped to relieve arthritic pain in the fingers and hand, and the 6 sizes allow you to choose a perfect fit.

They are mildly compressing, and the seams are strong and durable. When we tried them, they actually felt like a very skinny wet suit for the hands.

However, the Thermoskin gloves are somewhat stiff and may feel uncomfortable for sleeping, and too tight if you choose the wrong size.

Pros

• User friendly
• Affordable
• Mildly compressing, can control swelling and stabilize finger joints

Cons

• May be too hot and itchy to use while sleeping

✅ Available at Arthritis Supplies ($40) and on Amazon ($33)

5. Sharper Image LED Hand Pain Relief Mitten – Best LED Gloves

The Sharper Image LED Hand Pain Relief Mitten treats all types of hand pain, including Carpal Tunnel, arthritis, neuropathy, and repetitive stress injuries, and it’s a one-size-fits-all glove.

These red LED light therapy gloves increase blood circulation and healing through medical-grade LED bulbs, in the red (660 nm) and infrared (880 nm) range.

They are rechargeable (cordless) and portable, so you can easily take them with you anywhere, or just relax in front of the TV. The battery lasts for about 40 minutes per charge.

Many consumers have written positive testimonials about this mitten, claiming it has helped them feel noticeable relief from arthritic hands, carpal tunnel, and hand injuries – usually immediately after the 20-minute treatment.

(According to some customer reviews, 20 minutes generally eliminates pain temporarily, and 40 minutes seems to keep it away for days!)

Pros

• Fits all hand sizes
• Quick pain relief, usually in 20-40 minutes

Cons

• Relatively expensive (but an established and trust-worthy brand)
• Can not be used while working or doing chores

✅ Available at Sharper Image ($127 with code BLACK)

👉 Alternatively, consider the DGYAO Infrared & Red Light Therapy Pad, which is less expensive ($97 at Walmart) and has 176 medical LED lights, with a 1-year warranty.

6. Comfy Brace Arthritis Hand Compression Gloves – Best Budget 

The Comfy Brace warming compression (fingerless) gloves are very similar to the IMAK gloves, made with the same material (cotton & spandex), and are also breathable, comfortable, and long-lasting (good stitching).

The difference is in the price – they are the lowest-cost ones on this list.

The light compression and warmth, and the open fingertips prevent swelling and ease hand pain while you run errands, cook, walk the dog, drive, or work on your computer.

The fabric prevents moisture and you can easily hold on to things when you work and are comfortable to sleep with – at night (to wake up without swelling).

The high-quality stitching stays perfect even if you wash and dry it every day, and the company offers a money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty.

Amazon buyers love this pair of arthritic gloves and give it very high ratings.

Pros

• Firm yet comfortable compression
• Fingerless design allows to do many activities, such as cooking, sewing, and cleaning
• Breathable and moisture-wicking fabric
• Low cost

Cons

• The material can attract lint and pet hair
• The gloves may not be stretchy enough for some users

✅ Available on Amazon ($10)

7. Dr. Frederick’s Original Arthritis Gloves 

Dr. Frederick’s original arthritis gloves are highly popular with their sleek, soft, and breathable composition and open fingertips that allow you to use your phone and pick up anything you need – without slipping.

These compression gloves use your natural body heat to provide warmth and are tight enough to allow for compression on your fingers, thumbs, wrists, and other joints.

They are machine washable and come in 3 sizes.

The right size will be a perfect fit and allow for heat and compression therapy while allowing you to do your daily chores pain-free and comfortably.

✅ Available on Amazon ($15)

8. Toasty Touch Ultra Thin Heated Gloves – Best for Typing & Phone

The Toasty Touch heated gloves are the thinnest electric warming gloves you’ll find, and they allow you to get the heat you need without the bulkiness of hot packs and thick fabrics.

You can easily use them for typing and other daily tasks, and they are touchscreen-compatible!

With a simple push of a button, you turn them on and choose from 3 levels of heat.

They are the best for indoor use, but outdoors, they can be used as heated glove liners (great for skiing).

They were engineered for people with Raynaud’s Syndrome and cold hands, and they are very comfortable and not too bad on the eyes.

They are powered by a pair of rechargeable lithium batteries (7.4V 2200 mAh) that keep your hands toasty warm for 6 hours – anywhere and anytime you want.

The heat doesn’t reach the palms, so no sweaty palms to be annoyed about.

However, they are not suitable for trigger finger relief, and they are not warm enough for sub-zero temperatures.

Pros

• The ultra-thin design makes it possible to type and do many other things
• Better grip than average
• Created by Raynaud’s sufferer
• Stay warm for 6 hours

Cons

• May not be suitable for extreme cold, but can be used as liners

✅ Available at Toasty Touch ($125)

How Do Heated Gloves Relieve Hand Pain?

Heat therapy gloves work in 2 major ways, including infrared therapy, and compression:

1. Infrared Heat – infrared rays, felt as heat, are tried, tested, and proven to quickly boost blood circulation, dilate blood vessels, relax muscles, and promote healing and regeneration of cells.

Electric infrared gloves use electricity to produce infrared rays and can get much hotter than non-electric gloves (making treatment more powerful and fast).

2. Compression – arthritis gloves are designed to offer compression therapy as well. Compression also boosts local blood circulation, which promotes more oxygen and healing nutrients in the blood.

Thermal Compression gloves can be helpful for finger swelling and wrist joint stiffness – while relieving hand pain.

How to Use Heat Therapy Gloves for Hand Pain 

First of all, when you use arthritis gloves (with heat & compression) – make sure the gloves fit.

If they are too tight or too loose, you won’t enjoy all the benefits.

Some gloves come in adjustable sizes or have an adjustable strap to ensure a good fit.

You have to use them for at least 8 hours a day, or you can use them when you sleep.

You probably won’t feel results if you just use them here and there.

If you use battery-operated infrared gloves, you can still use them for 8 hours or while you sleep, but from our experience with infrared therapy, you won’t need more than 2 hours twice a day – to get the full benefits.

Vibrating heated gloves can be used for 20-30 minutes, twice a day.

Do Arthritis Gloves Work?

We found more than 7 clinical trials proving that hand symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and swelling improve substantially when arthritis gloves are used.

However, there was marginal or no improvement in hand function (with the exception of grip strength).

While there is limited research providing measurable evidence of therapy gloves’ effectiveness for hand function, many people may still find them helpful.

Are Infrared Gloves Safe?

Infrared therapy is one of the safest and most natural therapies for hand pain relief. Far infrared rays have nothing to do with UV radiation and they feel like the heat from the sun.

It promotes blood circulation and thus oxygen supply and healing nutrients to damaged tissues in your hands and fingers.

This results in faster healing and natural pain relief that lasts for hours.

How Long Can You Wear Thermal Compression Gloves?

Most infrared arthritis gloves are designed for 8 hours of use per day/night.

To get the full benefits, you should wear infrared gloves for at least 8 hours a day.

However, you’ll get the benefits even if you only wear them for about one hour per day.

To your health and happiness,

Meital

P.S

Check out more ways to use infrared light therapy for Neuropathy, and the best infrared light therapy home devices.

Studies

Nasir SH, Troynikov O, Massy-Westropp N. Therapy gloves for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a review. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2014;6(6):226-237.

Oosterveld FG, Rasker JJ. The effect of pressure gradient and thermolactyl control gloves in arthritic patients with swollen hands. Br J Rheumatol. 1990;29(3):197-200.

Peggy T. McKnight OTR/L , C. Kent Kwoh MD. Randomized, controlled trial of compression gloves in rheumatoid arthritis