These Are The Best Products For Arthritis In Hands (2024)

There’s nothing worse than sore hands after a training session, which many who practice combat sports have to face.

While you can sometimes grin and bear it, symptoms can worsen if you’re not careful. You should be cautious of hitting a bag with power or, worse yet, hard sparring.

This experience led me to try many different products and fixes, so I thought I’d put those experiences to use and rank what I found to be the best products available for wrist and finger joints.

• Best Product For Arthritic Hands: FlexAgain
• Best Budget Product For Arthritic Hands: Joint Buddy
• Best Hand Wrap For Arthritic Hands: DR. MUSCLES Arthritis Hand Wrap
• Best Cream For Arthritic Hands: FlexAgain Joint Gel
• Best Therapy Putty For Arthritic Hands: FlintRehab Premium Quality Therapy Putty
• Best Compression Gloves For Arthritic Hands: RiptGear Compression Gloves

Best Product For Arthritic Hands

FlexAgain

Pros

• Optimal doses of clinically proven ingredients
• Very generous dosing of omega-3 fatty acids
• Improve mobility with powerful anti-inflammatory effects
• Great value for money
• Manufactured in FDA-approved facilities
• It helps reduce pain and swelling in the hands

Cons

• Can only be purchased directly on the FlexAgain website.

Joint Supplement	1 Bottle	3 Bottles	6 Bottles
FlexAgain	$69.47 ($2.31 per serving)	$182.01 ($2.02 per serving)	$289.99 ($1.61 per serving)

Many supplements are vying for your attention, but none come close to FlexAgain regarding reliably powerful joint pain relief.

It contains everything you need for joint health, allowing FlexAgain to relieve pain for rheumatoid arthritis and many other kinds, such as psoriatic arthritis.

This is why it was ranked as my best joint supplement. FlexAgain immediately stands out with a very generous dose of omega-3 fatty acids.

At this point, it’s fairly common knowledge that fish oils such as cod liver oil are very beneficial for swollen joints. They help repair the affected joints by providing the building blocks to create cartilage ^[1].

This helps you perform everyday tasks painlessly, as your joints are now adequately protected.

Many potent anti-inflammatory ingredients are also present, thanks to the inclusions of resveratrol and the ginger and blue galangal blend. Both are well regarded as some of the best natural anti-inflammatories, and the clinical data backs this up.

Resveratrol, for example, has been found to have protective effects in joints, which are mainly mediated by the decreased production of pro-inflammatory enzymes ^[2]. Ginger is clinically effective at supporting pain relief in osteoarthritis patients ^[3].

Ingredients: Omega 3, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Ginger and Blue Galangal Extract, Bromelain, Curcumin, Resveratrol, Methylsulfonylmethane, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Boswellic Acid.

Thanks to sticking to the science, FlexAgain has created a brilliant product that has helped me and many others regain mobility. Using high-yield extracts, they’ve crammed 11 ingredients into a single bottle and maintained optimal dosing, leaving me entirely free of joint pain.

You can read my full, in-depth breakdown and experiences in my FlexAgain review.

Best Budget Product For Arthritic Hands

Joint Buddy

Pros

• Wide selection of essential vitamins and minerals for joint health.
• It’s a very cost-effective choice.
• Optimal doses of clinically proven ingredients.
• Relieves stiff joints, improving mobility.
• It helps tackle swelling around finger joints.

Cons

• It can only be purchased directly from the Joint Buddy website.
• Not as comprehensive as FlexAgain.

Joint Supplement	1 Bottle	3 Bottles	6 Bottles
Joint Buddy	$33.99 ($1.13 per serving)	$61.99 ($1.03 per serving)	$87.99 ($0.97 per serving)

While it may not be quite as strong as FlexAgain, Joint Buddy is much cheaper. If you’re looking to save money while still experiencing relief from arthritis pain and swelling, it’s a great choice.

First, it has a great selection of vitamins and minerals, which can boost joint health and immune support.

Many of these vitamins are vital in maintaining joints, and deficiencies can cause issues to flare up. One such vitamin is Vitamin E, which is known to slow the progress of osteoarthritis by tackling oxidative stress and inflammation in the joints ^[4].

We also have Methylsulfonylmethane, which is thought to help reduce arthritis symptoms such as stiffness and pain. It significantly reduces joint pain and improves systemic health after oral consumption ^[5].

Ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Green Lipped Sea Muscle, Methylsulfonylmethane, L-Histidine, Boron, Alfalfa Powder, Yucca, Devil’s Claw, Cetyl Myristoleate

While Joint Buddy is much cheaper, it still packs a punch and can relieve joint pain and get you training again. FlexAgain and Joint Buddy share many ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, showing that Joint Buddy still has much of what you need but at a fraction of the cost.

You can read my in-depth breakdown and experiences in my Joint Buddy review.

Best Hand Wrap For Arthritic Hands

DR. MUSCLE’S Arthritis Hand Wrap

Pros

• Heats and soothes finger joints.
• Reduces swelling and pain around the wrist joints.
• Aids in recovery after training.
• Very reasonably priced.
• Works with everyday home appliances.

Cons

• It can be a bit cumbersome to carry around.
• It doesn’t prevent pain; it only treats it.
• I have to microwave it, which can be inconvenient.

Going for a different approach, we have the MediBeads hand wrap, which can significantly reduce pain and swelling after training sessions.

It fits like an armband for your wrist. You microwave it for 60 seconds and then place your hand in. This creates a moist and warm environment, relaxing the muscles and improving blood flow to reduce inflammation, stiffness, pain, and mobility.

You can also put it in the freezer to reduce swelling. This has the added benefit of numbing the wrist and relieving pain. However, I personally found this less convenient, as it takes about 10 minutes to really get cold enough, so it’s better just to grab the peas.

This is a really cost-effective tool for providing heat therapy for your hands. It is excellent when you might be feeling sore after training. It can help you keep doing what you love without dealing with paint and joint stiffness.

Best Cream For Arthritic Hands

FlexAgain Joint Gel

Pros

• Very fast-acting pain relief.
• Relax the muscles and improve blood flow.
• Cold therapy helps to reduce swelling.
• Regain mobility quickly after training.

Cons

• It can only be purchased directly from the FlexAgain website.

In my opinion, this is the best choice for someone suffering from intermittent spikes of joint pain or as something convenient to bring to the gym to ease pain after training.

Once again, they’ve used only clinically proven ingredients in optimal dosing, such as menthol, which is known to relieve pain in the tissues under the skin and act as cold therapy for reduced swelling ^[6].

We also have Capsaicin to provide heat therapy, and while you might think these effects will cancel each other out, they work together. Just as with MediBeads hand wrap, the heating effects help to relax the muscles and improve blood flow.

Ingredients: Chilli Oil, Camphor, MSM, Menthol, Eucalyptus, Glucosaome HCL, and Boswellia.

The pills are better in the long run, but the cream provides instant relief and helps you quickly regain mobility in your hands once applied.

Best Therapy Putty For Arthritic Hands

FlintRehab Premium Quality Therapy Putty

Pros

• Cost-effective joint therapy
• Regain mobility in stiff finger joints
• It helps reduce symptoms of arthritis
• Provides long-term joint protection

Cons

• Not very fast-acting
• It only really works if your symptoms are manageable enough

If you don’t use it, you lose it. I didn’t realize this saying applied to hand and finger mobility.

One great way to help ward off arthritic hands is to exercise them, which helps in less obvious ways than you might think.

Of course, you’ll improve the muscle strength of your fingers and hands and increase blood flow to the area, but when you look into the science, there’s more than meets the eye here.

Synovial fluid helps protect joints from friction damage, and an important functioning part of that is hyaluronic acid, specifically its molecular weight.

As we age, the weight of the molecules decreases, meaning they can no longer protect against friction. It’s been found that finger exercises can help restore the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid, protecting joints and relieving pain ^[7].

This can be a great choice to prevent symptoms from worsening when they first show, helping to restore proper mobility and functioning of your hands. However, if your symptoms have progressed to severe stiffness, it’s not really applicable until you have your symptoms more under control.

Best Compression Gloves For Arthritic Hands

RiptGear Compression Gloves

Pros

• A wide degree of applicable situations
• Reduces swelling and improves circulation in the hands
• It helps restore and maintain flexibility in the wrist and fingers
• Convenient to bring with you where you’re on the go

Cons

• They will need replacing every few months.

One of the best fixes for a bad flare-up is compression gloves. They are a great and convenient choice for helping to improve symptoms. While they’re not entirely discreet, they’re also far from gaudy and have many applications.

For a while, I’d bring a pair of these to the gym with me, as I found that once I got going, I didn’t really feel any pain.

However, once I stopped, all the stress caught up to my wrists, and I needed something for the drive home. Usually, within ten minutes of doing minor exercises, I could move my wrists and fingers easily again.

It works similarly to Medibead hand wrap, but it’s not as fast-acting. The heating element here is just your own body heat getting trapped under the glove.

This heat reduces swelling and stiffness, improves circulation, and helps to maintain flexibility after a flare-up, making everyday tasks a lot less painful.

While you’ll eventually be better off getting a gel supplement, these compression gloves can be a lifesaver in the right situations.

It’s very easy to bring them with you just in case, and though they’re not the fastest-acting relief, they are very reliable. The main downside is they’ll need replacing, so while the upfront cost is lower, it can be more cost-effective to get a supplement or gel.

How To Choose The Best Supplements For Arthritis In Hands

Identify Effective Ingredients

Some supplements have been researched for their effectiveness in managing arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine and chondroitin are often used together and can help with joint pain and may slow the progression of arthritis.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce arthritis symptoms. Turmeric, specifically its active ingredient curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce pain and swelling.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) can help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. Boswellia Serrata, an herbal extract, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Vitamin D is essential as low levels are linked to an increased risk of osteoarthritis, and supplementation can help maintain bone health.

Ginger is another natural anti-inflammatory that can help reduce arthritis pain. Capsaicin, often found in topical creams, can help alleviate pain.

Check for Quality and Purity

Ensure the supplements you choose have been third-party tested for quality and purity. This ensures the product contains what it claims without harmful contaminants. Look for the USP Verified Mark, indicating the supplement has been tested and verified for quality.

Consider Form and Dosage

Supplements come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and powders. Choose a form that you find easy to take consistently. Follow the recommended labels’ recommended dosages or consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Look for Clinical Evidence

Choose supplements backed by scientific research and clinical studies showing their effectiveness for arthritis.

Evaluate Your Diet and Lifestyle

Ensure you’re getting a balanced diet that supports joint health. Supplements should complement a healthy diet, not replace it. Regular, gentle exercise can help maintain joint function and reduce stiffness. Supplements can be more effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Price and Warranty

Consider the cost of the product and whether it offers good value for money. Check if the product comes with a warranty or satisfaction guarantee, which can provide a risk-free purchase option.

Frequently Asked Arthritis In Hands Questions

What are the best types of products for arthritis in the hands?

Products designed to alleviate arthritis symptoms in the hands include supplements, compression gloves, topical screams, heat therapy wraps, and specialized kitchen utensils. These items reduce pain, improve grip strength, and enhance hand function.

Are there any specific utensils that can make cooking easier for someone with arthritis?

Yes, there are specially designed kitchen utensils with larger, ergonomic handles that require less grip strength. Items such as easy-to-use can openers, jar openers, and lightweight cookware can significantly reduce the strain on arthritic hands.

Can heat therapy relieve arthritis pain in the hands?

Heat therapy is highly effective in relieving arthritis pain. Products like microwavable heat wraps, paraffin wax baths, and electric heating pads can help relax muscles, reduce stiffness, and improve hand mobility.

What role do splints and braces play in managing arthritis in the hands?

Splints and braces support and stabilize the joints, reducing pain and preventing further damage. They can be worn during activities that stress the hands or at night to maintain proper alignment and minimize discomfort.

Are there any electronic devices that can help with hand arthritis?

Electronic devices such as hand massagers and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units can provide relief. Hand massagers improve circulation and reduce stiffness, while TENS units deliver mild electrical pulses to alleviate pain.

How do ergonomic tools differ from regular tools for people with arthritis

Ergonomic tools are specifically designed to minimize stress on the joints. They often have larger, cushioned handles, are lighter in weight, and require less force than regular tools, making them ideal for individuals with arthritis.

What should I look for when choosing arthritis-friendly products?

When choosing arthritis-friendly products, look for easy use, ergonomic design, adjustable features, and materials that provide comfort and support. User reviews and recommendations from healthcare providers can also guide your selection.

Can dietary supplements or topical treatments help with arthritis pain in the hands?

Some dietary supplements, like glucosamine and chondroitin, may help reduce arthritis symptoms. Topical treatments, such as creams and gels containing capsaicin or menthol, can relieve temporary pain when applied to affected areas.

Is it beneficial to consult a healthcare professional before using arthritis products?

Yes, consulting a healthcare professional is highly recommended. They can provide personalized advice, recommend suitable products, and ensure your chosen products will not interfere with existing treatments or conditions.

Summary

Most people I know who practice combat sports and martial arts experience some form of joint stiffness, especially in the hands.

The best product you can buy to help with symptoms like this is, without a doubt, FlexAgain. It provides 11 clinically proven ingredients in high-yield concentrations, allowing FlexAgain to be generous with its dosings.

References

1. Cordingley, D. M., & Cornish, S. M. (2022). Omega-3 fatty acids for the management of osteoarthritis: A narrative review. Nutrients, 14(16), 3362.
2. Nguyen, C., Savouret, J. F., Widerak, M., Corvol, M. T., & Rannou, F. (2017). Resveratrol, potential therapeutic interest in joint disorders: a critical narrative review. Nutrients, 9(1), 45.
3. Bartels, E. M., Folmer, V. N., Bliddal, H., Altman, R. D., Juhl, C., Tarp, S., … & Christensen, R. (2015). Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Osteoarthritis and cartilage, 23(1), 13-21.
4. Chin, K. Y., & Ima-Nirwana, S. (2018). The role of vitamin E in preventing and treating osteoarthritis–a review of the current evidence. Frontiers in pharmacology, 9, 946.
5. Toguchi, A., Noguchi, N., Kanno, T., & Yamada, A. (2023). Methylsulfonylmethane Improves Knee Quality of Life in Participants with Mild Knee Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 15(13), 2995.
6. Johar, P., Grover, V., Topp, R., & Behm, D. G. (2012). A comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle soreness. International journal of sports physical therapy, 7(3), 314.
7. Lippi, L., Ferrillo, M., Turco, A., Folli, A., Moalli, S., Refati, F., … & Invernizzi, M. (2023). Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation after Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Elderly with Knee, Hip, Shoulder, and Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis. Medicina, 59(11), 2047.

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