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Addendum to Hand and wrist orthoses for adults with rheumatological conditions practice guideline

RCOT
25 October 2022

Have you been recommending compression gloves to patients with rheumatoid or another form of arthritis?

We carry out our literature searches annually to monitor our practice guidelines. Through this process, we’ve found new evidence that impacts our recommendations in the Hand and wrist orthoses for adults with rheumatological conditions practice guideline.

New research has shown the limited clinical and cost-effectiveness of compression gloves.

Following this new research: 

  • we recommend that occupational therapists do not prescribe arthritis gloves to improve hand pain, function or stiffness
  • we suggest that OTs consider the perceived benefits that a loose fitting, three-quarter finger length glove might provide for warmth, comfort and support.

Read the addendum in the Hand and wrist orthoses for adults with rheumatological conditions: Practice guideline for occupational therapists, second edition. 

FAQs

Who is the practice guideline for?

  • An occupational therapist working with adults who may benefit from a hand or wrist orthosis for a rheumatological condition.
  • A physiotherapist, hand therapist, orthotist or someone who prescribes or uses orthoses.

I am an OT, what do the new recommendations on compression gloves mean for me?

The new recommendations mean that you should not recommend compression gloves to those with rheumatoid arthritis or undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis to improve hand function, pain or stiffness. You will want to consider, however, whether loose-fitting, three-quarter finger-length gloves could benefit people with arthritis in terms of providing warmth, comfort and support. 

Can I still recommend compression gloves for hand and wrist arthritis? 

Based on the evidence, you should not recommend compression gloves to improve hand function, pain or stiffness for those with rheumatoid arthritis or undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis.

More than 70% of people who participated in the Hammond et al research perceived both compression and loose-fitting gloves as beneficial, with the majority of those citing warmth and comfort as the main benefits. We suggest you consider this and whether loose-fitting, three-quarter finger-length gloves may benefit people with arthritis who access occupational therapy services.

Are compression gloves worth the cost?

The Hammond et al paper shows that compression gloves are no more beneficial than placebo gloves, and so they are unlikely to be cost-effective.