Arthritis is a common condition. According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 50 million adults have been diagnosed with the condition. That's 1 in every 5 adults age 18 and older. It is the most common cause of disability in the U.S. 

Though arthritis in the hands is a painful condition, there is hope. From over-the-counter pain relievers to joint therapy, there are many strategies that can help you to manage the symptoms. One natural way to alleviate the pain of this condition is through the regular use of arthritis gloves. These tools counteract the swelling caused by arthritis to reduce your pain and improve mobility.

To make sure you make the best choice, here are five characteristics you should look for: 

1. Fit
Just like with any other pair of gloves, fit matters. While they will be more snug – compression is a key part of the process – make sure that you can pull both on completely. The bottom line is that if the gloves aren't comfortable, you are less likely to wear them regularly. They should fit well enough that they aren't uncomfortable to wear during the day or night.  

2. Compression
If the gloves don't provide proper compression, you should keep shopping. Without this pressure, they won't be as effective at reducing your pain. 

3. Ease of use
As with fit, if your gloves are hard to put on and take off, you'll be less likely to use them regularly. Consequently, you need to find a pair that you can slip into easily without assistance, despite the tightness from compression. 

Arthritis gloves should allow you to do your regular daily tasks.

4. Movement
When you wear your gloves, you should be able to perform your daily tasks normally. Whether that means cooking dinner, wrapping a birthday present or picking up a child, you need to be able to move your hands freely so that your activity isn't limited when you have the gloves on. 

5.  Care instructions
Caring for your arthritis gloves shouldn't be difficult. You want a pair that you can wash easily and without hassle. A cotton fabric will breathe easily and allow for easy cleaning. 

Even if you find a pair that you like, you may still be wondering "Do arthritis gloves work?" Our customers say yes! the IMAK® Compression Arthritis Gloves are designed to help increase circulation to encourage healing and reduce pain.   

But you don't just have to take our word for it. A systematic review of existing literature on therapy gloves published in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease revealed that arthritis gloves can have a beneficial impact on patients with rheumatoid arthritis, specifically in reducing pain, swelling and stiffness.   

Try the effectiveness of these tools for yourself by buying the IMAK® Compression Arthritis Gloves today at your local drugstore or from our online store.