If you’re looking for the wonders of infrared therapy and how it can help manage and relieve Arthritis pain naturally – you’ve come to the right place.
Infrared light therapy is one of the best natural pain-relieving tools you can have at home – to use any time you need it.
In this post, you’ll discover the best ways to use infrared therapy for arthritis, including the infrared lamp, heat therapy gloves, infrared foot therapy, infrared heating pads, and the infrared sauna.
👉 In a Hurry?
Jump straight to the best infrared devices for arthritis, matched by pain location and budget, with simple at-home usage tips.
This post may contain affiliate links, that earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Overview
Is Infrared Heat Good for Arthritis?
Infrared therapy is a well-studied, non-drug approach used in clinics and rehab places, and used by athletes, to help reduce pain and stiffness
Infrared light therapy is a 40-year science-backed method to relieve pain and reduce inflammation throughout the body, frequently used by doctors (the good ones), physical therapists, and professional athletes.
Clinical studies show infrared-based therapies can reduce arthritis pain and stiffness, sometimes as an effective add-on to standard care.
Here are a few examples:
1. A randomized clinical trial found that a far-infrared emitting plaster improved pain in knee osteoarthritis compared with a placebo. (Reumatismo)
2. In patients with RA, relative to a separate control group, LLLT reduced pain by 70% relative to placebo and reduced morning stiffness by 27.5 minutes, and increased tip-to-palm flexibility by 1.3 cm.
3. Thermal IR can relax tissues and may improve range of motion; heat is also associated with endorphin release.
How Does Infrared Radiation Work?
Infrared is part of sunlight, and it’s the warming ‘radiant heat’ you feel, even when the air is cool.
These wavelengths can reach below the skin surface and affect deeper tissue compared with surface heat, but the depth depends on the device and treatment dose.
This results in fast pain relief through pain-reducing components in your blood, oxygen, and ATP production.
In technical terms, infrared therapy uses red (≈600–700 nm) and near-infrared (≈700–950 nm). Heating pads/saunas emit far infrared (≈3–20 µm).
Your body experiences infrared energy as a gentle radiant heat that can penetrate up to 3–4 cm in some tissues – beneath your skin!
Lamps, panels, and wraps emit red/NIR light using LEDs or bulbs.
Heating pads and saunas deliver far-infrared radiant heat through electrically heated materials, sometimes with stone layers (like jade/tourmaline) used for heat distribution.
The Best Infrared Therapy Devices for Arthritis
Not sure where to start?
Use this quick picker to narrow down the most practical option for your joints before reading the full reviews.
RA/OA Hands & Fingers
- Under $100: small near-infrared pad, a heated hand massager, or a Jade hand & wrist pad
- $100-$300: Quality heated gloves with temp control
Knee (OA/RA)
- Under $100: Battery-heated knee wrap (heat only) or an infrared lamp
- $100-$300: Red/NIR knee wrap (660–850 nm) or mid-size pad you can strap in place
Lower Back/Spine (spondylosis, facet pain)
- Under $100: infrared belt (low back coverage)
- $100-$300: Medium/large FIR pad (flexible)
- $300+: Full-length FIR pad (torso coverage) or FIR sauna blanket for whole-body sessions
Shoulder/Hip
Under $100: FIR belt/strap positioned over the joint or an infrared lamp
$100-$300: Red/NIR joint wrap or mid-size FIR pad you can secure
Multi-joint / Morning stiffness (systemic)
- Under $100: N/A (save budget for targeted relief)
- $100-$300: Large FIR pad (torso) used serially on multiple sites
$300+: Sauna blanket or portable sauna for systemic sessions
There are several ways to use infrared light therapy for arthritis, including infrared lamps, gloves, heating pads, red light therapy pads, and infrared saunas.
Red light therapy is also effective for arthritis, using red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing, relieve pain and inflammation, and restore function.
Infrared and red light therapy can reduce pain, relieve swelling, and increase blood flow.
These therapies are generally safe for many adults when used correctly, and they can be genuinely helpful for pain and stiffness.
How Long is Treatment Time for Arthritis?
Most red/NIR light sessions are typically 5–20 minutes per area.
Heat-based devices like gloves and pads often run longer, usually 20–60 minutes, depending on comfort and your skin sensitivity.
Here are the best options:
1. Infrared Lamp for Arthritis
An infrared lamp is recommended if your inflammation areas are few and small (Hand arthritis/knee/elbows, etc.).
Use an infrared lamp if your arthritis pain is localized (hands, elbows, knees) and you want short, targeted sessions.
Infrared heat lamps use red and near-infrared light to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness, as well as to improve blood circulation and joint mobility.
They transmit invisible infrared rays (light waves) deep into your body, all the way to your muscles, nerves, and bones.
The warmth can temporarily increase local circulation (study), which may help loosen stiff joints and ease pain during a flare.
Most manufacturers recommend 10-15-minute sessions a few times a day.
There is no proven benefit to doing it for longer than that.
Be aware of any contraindications, such as acute skin diseases or loss of sensation.
How Do You Use an Infrared Lamp for Arthritis?
Set your infrared heat lamp about 12-24 inches from the joint or area you are targeting.
Make sure to also pull your clothes away from the area so the heat lamp can get to the skin more easily.
Shine the light on your pain area for 5-10 minutes once a day.
👉 You can also make your own infrared lamp.
2. Infrared Heat Therapy Gloves
More than a few studies have proven that thermal treatments are helpful for Osteoarthritis in the hands and feet, including reducing pain (by 1.10 points on a scale of 1-10) and morning stiffness duration (by 28 minutes!).
IR therapy is also proven to improve range of motion, function, swelling, and grip strength in the long term.
The best treatment would be using simple FIR therapy gloves with temperature control for at least 30 minutes a day.
Choose heated gloves if hand stiffness and morning pain are your biggest arthritis challenges.
Here’s one of my top choices for 2026:
👉 See the 6 BEST Infrared Therapy Gloves of 2026!
The Savior heated gloves are made with soft and comfortable cotton material and have 3-level temperature control.
The fully charged batteries will stay hot for 3 hours and 45 minutes on the medium setting and about 2-2.5 hours on the high setting.
They are also waterproof and work even in sub-zero temperatures!
I also recommend heated socks for people suffering from arthritis foot pain.
3. Infrared Heating Pad
This option works best for spinal arthritis, hip pain, or larger joints that need steady, penetrating heat.
You can use an infrared heating pad – for larger pain areas (spinal arthritis, etc.), or use knee heating pads (braces) for arthritis knee pain.
Jade/tourmaline FIR pads are designed for steady radiant heat, but they can still get hot enough to irritate skin or cause burns if you overdo the temperature or duration. Use a thin towel layer and a timer for the higher temperatures.
The best ones are very low EMF (if you keep the control away from your body) and have many temperature settings to choose the most comfortable one for your needs.
Knee heating pads are also very helpful for knee arthritis, and an added benefit is that you can move around with them (at least with the battery-powered ones).
Some of them have a vibration massage functionality, and some even include magnets to fight inflammation.
4. Red Light Therapy for Arthritis
LED wraps are best when you want light-based therapy without heavy heat, especially for knees, wrists, or shoulders.
Red light therapy for arthritis is usually applied through LED light therapy wraps and belts.
Red light at a lower power may be effective for arthritis of the hands and feet (smaller joints), but it may not be optimal for arthritis of the knees, shoulders, and bigger joints.
Studies usually utilize infrared wavelengths, but some studies found that near-infrared light therapy at 810 nm can reduce arthritis-related inflammation.
Most recommended LED light therapy wraps combine both red light and near-infrared light to maximize the best wavelengths for arthritis treatment.
5. Infrared Sauna for Arthritis
Choose an infrared sauna if your arthritis affects multiple joints or causes widespread stiffness, especially in the morning.
An infrared sauna for arthritis is my #1 recommendation for Arthritis pain relief and healing – the natural way.
(This is backed by science)
Some people feel significant relief after a single sauna session, especially with stiffness and muscle tension, but arthritis outcomes usually improve most with consistent sessions over time.
Sitting in a wooden box or a personal portable infrared sauna, sweating as you have never sweated before, can detox your body and loosen all your muscles in a way that feels like being born again, when you come out.
Possible side effects include dehydration, lightheadedness, and overheating, especially if you push the temperature too fast.
Hydrate, start lower, and stop if you feel unwell.
The only side effects I experience are clearer skin and better sleep.
👉 Compare the top low-EMF infrared saunas for arthritis relief.
If your budget won’t allow you to have your own FIR sauna, you can go for an infrared sauna blanket – for half the price (and lower) of an infrared sauna.
(👉 Save $105 on the Higher Dose sauna blanket (full-body option) with code MEITAL75)
6. Electric Heated Hand Massager
A heated hand massager is ideal if gripping, typing, or daily hand use triggers your arthritis pain.
An electric heated hand massager may seem like just a gimmick, but surprisingly, it can be a game-changer for people seeking relief from hand arthritis symptoms.
These massagers combine gentle heat therapy with compression (through airbags) and vibration (through tiny motors) to quickly boost blood circulation to the palm, fingers, and wrist (see the best heated wrist wraps).
A 15-minute relaxing treatment that feels almost human can leave you pain-free for the rest of the day and enable you to use your hands normally to work, type, or do anything else you need to do.
How to Choose the Best Infrared Device for Arthritis
Well-designed home devices can be effective for self-care at home (though clinic systems may offer larger coverage and precisely dosed protocols).
- If you suffer from Arthritis in most or all of your joints/spine, you’ll need a full-body treatment via a large infrared heating pad or sauna.
- If your pain is local (elbows, knees, hands, feet), all you need is a high-quality infrared home device to save a ton of money on doctor appointments, physical therapy, and NSAIDs.
Over time, the investment in the device will pay for itself. Both in the short and long term, it is a wise investment.
I’ve linked the best products in the above section, but here’s how to choose the best IR home device for your needs:
1. Treatment area
- For small treatment areas, choose an infrared lamp or an infrared knee wrap
- For large areas, choose an infrared heating pad (you can choose a small/medium/large pad), an infrared sauna blanket, or a good Red Light Therapy Wrap
2. Heat-Emitting System
Infrared heat is emitted either through LED bulbs or through jade/amethyst stones (which are heated electrically).
Infrared heating pads use natural stones to emit FIR rays, while hand-held/2-panel devices use LED bulbs.
Jade/amethyst stones are a great healing bonus since they alone are considered therapeutic.
The most famous (yet expensive) Amethyst infrared pad is the full-body Biomat
It’s my #1 recommendation, but I wouldn’t recommend starting out with it.
Try a relatively low-cost device first to see how it works for you.
3. EMF radiation
Always look for devices with low/no EMF radiation. The best devices clearly state how much EMF (if at all) they radiate.
4. Timer
The high-quality devices have a built-in timer, so you won’t have to continuously time your treatment sessions.
Are Infrared Arthritis Devices Safe for Everyone?
These devices a generally safe, but don’t use them over known/suspected cancer in the treatment area, hot, acutely swollen/red joints. Avoid or direct eye exposure to LEDs/lasers.
Use caution / ask your clinician if: you have neuropathy or reduced sensation (start low, check skin often); photosensitizing meds/conditions, if you have anticoagulants/bleeding disorders, severe vascular disease; pregnancy, recent injections/surgery, metal nearby (only moderate heat).
Stop treatments if: pain spikes or new swelling appears, skin shows excessive redness/blistering/numbness, or you feel dizzy/nauseated.
Good habits: follow the prescribed PBM dose (don’t stack sessions), use a thin cloth with heat, start low and check skin every few minutes, hydrate before/after, and never sleep on a heated pad.
If you’re unsure which device is safest for your condition, stick with lower heat settings and shorter sessions, or start with a small, targeted device.
Conclusion
Infrared light therapy for Arthritis is one of the most powerful, proven, and drug-free ways to relieve arthritis pain and heal joint inflammation in the long term.
For many people, infrared therapy can reduce how often they need pain meds, especially for stiffness and flare-up discomfort. But don’t stop prescribed medication without medical guidance.
Having your own infrared home device makes this natural Arthritis treatment available to you 24/7 and can be used to treat many skin problems you may have as well.
It’s non-invasive, safe, and easy to use.
The best infrared device for arthritis is the one you’ll actually use consistently and comfortably. Start simple, listen to your body, and adjust as you go.
To your health and happiness,
Meital
Studies
Oosterveld, F.G.J., Rasker, J.J., Floors, M. et al. Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Clin Rheumatol 28, 29 (2009).
Jean Stelian, MD, et al. Improvement of Pain and Disability in Elderly Patients with Degenerative Osteoarthritis of the Knee Treated with Narrow‐Band Light Therapy
Hamblin, M.R. Can osteoarthritis be treated with light?. Arthritis Res Ther 15, 120 (2013).
As someone who has osteoporosis & osteoarthritis & taking Alendronic Acid tablets for the bone disease. Is Infrared treatment advisable? The main site of the pain is in the feet & ankles
Yes, infrared light therapy is safe for you and can help with your pain in the feet and ankles.
I sprained my thumb really bad and nothing was working after I stopped NSAID’s. Did not want to use the prescribed NSAID’s very long, although they did take away the pain which was debilitating . Tried a small 880nm. LED unit with no luck at first. I got so frustrated I taped it to the palm of my hand where the pain was and left it there for four hours. I thought that had failed too but when I woke up the next day I was astonished to find the pain was reduced by 80 to 90%! Probably not the proper way to use the device, but it sure did the trick for me. Amazing.
Thanks for sharing your results with us. Sometimes we just need a little patience… :)
My husband has been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis for over a year now. We’re looking for alternatives so that he can reduce or wean off some drugs that have caused many negative side effects. We’re looking at LLLT therapy and very confused with the array of products that are available.
I’ve read your blogs and wonder what you think of products like Leanne Venier’s REDjuvenator, Joovv, BioFlex P120, RedLightMan? Panel vs. flexible band?
What’s the difference between NIR and FIR?
According to NASA studies, the best wavelength for pain relief and healing is 880nm. I believe the products you mentioned are 630nm – the red light wavelength and not the infrared wavelength – which is what you need.
NIR and FIR are both infrared, however, NIR is nearer to red light wavelength.
I would suggest that you start with a near infrared heat bulb. It’s a low-cost option, and it can be very effective.
My senior horse has arthritis … Is the pad safe to use to help her ? How often would I need to do it ? I have a FIR portable sauna at home and it works wonders, of course, I can’t put her in the sauna 😉 Thanks !
Yes, the pad should be helpful, IR therapy is often used with animals.
Can you use jade stone infrared pad after epidural spine injection.
To my knowledge you can, but I would wait a few days before starting, and use at a low heat setting. To be on the safe side, consult with your doctor.
Qi am looking for a heat lamp. I have arthritis. In the lower back area. As well as my hands can’t close them
Here’s my post about heat lamps and the best ones in the market: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-heat-lamp-therapy/