Best Hand Massagers for Arthritis | Relieve Arthritic Pain at Home

Rub out arthritic pain with one of the best hand massagers on the market. And FYI, some are deeply discounted!

Having arthritis can make us feel like we’re failing at aging gracefully, but that shouldn’t be — millions of people in the United States have it, and about four million are under the age of 44. Arthritis can impact feet, shoulders, and even your jaw, but it’s especially painful when it’s in your hands. That dull, burning sensation can make simple things, like opening a jar, excruciating. Prescription drugs can ease pain, but so can massage!

Massage boosts circulation, soothes muscles, and offers a more holistic approach — and you don’t have to even visit a professional to get the benefits. The best hand massagers for arthritis are heated, hit acupressure points, vibrate, and feel simply luxurious.

Arthritis is a condition that refers to the swelling of joints, and literally means joint inflammation. According to the CDC, 58 millions have the condition. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms.

Osteoarthritis happens from repetitive movements or carrying excessive bodyweight. The cartilage between the joints breaks down, forcing joints to rub together and creates an unpleasant feeling.

In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when enzymes target healthy tissue as well as the links between joints. It’s commonly found in fingers, wrists, and knees. Systemic symptoms, such as fatigue, anemia, eye inflammation, fever, and weight loss may also occur.

Unfortunately, no. However, according to the Arthritis Foundation, an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce symptoms. The Mediterranean diet is a great example of this. The omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish and fiber-filled veggies help ward off chronic disease, and can aid weight loss, putting less stress on your joints.

Chronic inflammation can make it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients. If you’re curious about your gut health, companies like Viome provide health intelligence tests that can provide insight into yours. Once you submit a sample, they send a report with food, supplement, and prebiotic/probiotic recommendations. Some testing kits include the latter, and only cost $59.

Seeing improvements in your arthritis from a change in diet may take time, but like massage, changing the way you eat can be an empowering way to take your health into your own hands.

Massages feel great and they’re also therapeutic. They improve circulation, aiding blood flow. A study released from Duke Health in 2018 revealed that massage helped relieve arthritis pain and increased mobility. According to a 2013 study, hand massages, even those that are self administered, strengthened grip and reduced discomfort.

When you’re in the grips of a flare-up, it may feel impossible to give yourself a good massage. Most of the best hand massagers for arthritis allow you to slip your hand inside a massage chamber. They’re electric, use air compression, and utilize heat. You can adjust pressure, and some, like the Comfier Wireless Hand Massager, target specific regions in the hand.

Here are a few more of our favorite hand massagers for arthritis!

Many of the best hand massagers for arthritis include heat, but some also include cold therapy. Each trigger the body’s natural healing response, according to WebMD. Heat therapy stimulates blood circulation, reduces muscle spasms, and lowers blood pressure.

One of my favorite devices is the CINCOM Rechargeable Hand Massager. It has deep infrared heat that thaws numb hands, and multiple massage heads. The Lunix LX3 Cordless Electric Hand Massager is another great option. It vibrates, gives six levels of pressure, and is basically a portable masseuse.

Cold therapy is good for reducing swelling. It lowers blood pressure and dulls pain, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you want a treatment that offers both therapies, grab the HoMedics Dual Temp Handheld Percussion Massager. It deeply kneads muscles and has both cool and heat settings.

There are dozens of hand massagers currently on the market. Some, like the Hyperice Hypersphere Mini Vibrating Massage Ball, are electric, cordless or at least offer the option of using cordless. They also can be used for multiple health conditions. The Vibrating Arthritis Gloves massages individual fingers, and can treat both hands at once.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage within the palm of your hand that’s surrounded by ligaments and bones. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed, creating tingling, pain, weakness, and numbness.

Many things can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome: heredity, the way we position our hands, and rheumatoid arthritis are just a few. Repetitive movement can also cause carpal tunnel. The good news is, massage can do wonders for it.

A 2013 trial published in the Journal of Bodywork Movement Therapy showed that those who received 30 minute massages and trigger-point therapy twice a week for six weeks saw marked improvement in their arthritis symptoms. One of the best hand massagers for arthritis and carpal tunnel is the Breo iPalm520. It replicates a reflexology session, focusing on problem areas to bring relief.

The Lunix LX3 is frequently listed as one of the best hand massagers for arthritis, and here’s why: it’s customizable, offers heat, and feels really good. The device uses air compression to simulate an acupuncture-like response in the hand, boosting circulation. There are six massage types with varying levels of intensity to choose from, and its heat goes to 104 degrees. The massager also vibrates, deepening relaxation.

Promising review: ‘I ordered the different hand massagers to make sure I found the perfect one. The Lunix was my favorite, and the only one I kept. I think the depth of the machine is superior, and provides compression and massage beyond my wrist line. The shape of the interior has a slight bubble shape that fit my palm perfectly! The vibration option added additional relief. I would highly recommend!’

Knead away knots without moving a finger. It’s completely possible with the Comfier Wireless Hand Massager. Rhythm pressure moves up and down your hand to reduce throbbing, while individual massages work each finger. The device has three pressure settings, as well as three heat settings to soothe, promote blood flow, and relax muscles. Its lithium battery can be charged with a USB cord, and it’s a great buy if your hands are on the larger side. More than 2,000 reviews on Amazon agree that its one of the best massagers for arthritis woes.

Promising review: ‘I love the Comfier Hand Massager. I have arthritis in my hands, and it is very painful at times, especially after days of weeding, house cleaning, and other every day jobs. I have been using [it] in the mornings and evenings, and can definitely tell a difference, especially on those days when I have over used my hands.’

The Vibrating Gloves from Sharper Image make great travel companions. Whether you’re heading to work or vacation, slip the cordless design into your purse, and then onto your hands when they begin hurting. The gloves are light and breathable, thanks to the cotton material. Small motors in the fingers allow each digit to have special attention. I’d prefer to just relax while they do their magic, but if you must remain active, the anti-slip palms will keep your phone from gyrating from your hands.

Promising review: “I use these gloves to relieve the pain due to arthritis, and they really work! My hands feel so much better afterwards.”

When your hands begin to feel like talons because of arthritis, place them inside the Lunix LX7. The padded interior will immediately put you at ease. The device mixes compression, heat therapy, and vibration for an authentic massage experience. Designed to mimic shiatsu bodywork, the LX7 hits acupressure points, promoting pain relief. Select between four levels of heat, pressure, and intensity. It also massages the wrist!

Promising review: “I am in love with this [massager]! I can fit my entire hand, and the upper part of my wrist inside. The compression feature is amazing, and the heat feature is wonderful, and at a comfortable temperature… My hands [used to ache] so bad, but after the first use, I feel such relief! I would recommend this to everybody! You won’t be disappointed!“

Whether its arthritis or just hours at the computer creating hand hurt, the CINCOM Rechargeable Hand Massager will be a comfort. Place your hand inside, and allow a combo of heat and compression to remove tension from you palm, finger joints, and wrist. It kneads, has four different massage heads to switch between, and a long lasting battery. Power it up, and then place along side you while watch TV.

Promising review: ‘This little hand massager is PERFECT for my hands. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and nerve pain in my hands. The only thing that usually relieves it is massaging them, which is difficult to do on my own. I was super impressed with this little guy as soon as I tried it. I love that it has multiple settings to [choose from], depending on the kind of pain i’m having, and the location on my hand. I also love the two heat settings, and the 15 minute timer where it shuts off, because I can fall asleep with it on my hand.’

The Breo iPalm520 is perfect for those with chronically cold hands. Its heat setting goes up to 107 degrees, increasing blood flow. The massager uses reflexology-based therapy to tackle joint stiffness, and promotes healing throughout the entire body. Deep-infrared energy penetrates muscles, while air compression creates a wave-like motion on hands and fingers. The machine has a simple interface. Press, set, and forget your pain. If you want to take your treatment up a notch, here’s a hack: apply one of your favorite night creams to your hands before using the device. The heat will lock it in, create moisture, making them more supple.

Promising review: “I have some arthritis in my hands, and as a nurse this affects my work daily. I’ve tried creams and over the counter medications, but this massager has really improved my mobility better than any thing else I’ve tried. My husband, who also has some carpal tunnel type problems, has used it, and was very impressed. I now have to take it away from him so I can use it!”

There are benefits to cold therapy, and heat therapy. The HoMedics Dual Temp Handheld Percussion Massager offers a bit of both. Opt for the cooling option when you have an ache to dull, and then use the heat to loosen tight muscles. Switch between heads to knead, roll, and hit problem spots. The massager has up to five speed settings, and works equally well on the back, neck, and legs. It does have to be plugged into a wall, but it does make bedtime that much more relaxing.

This one’s for you multitaskers. The Hyperice Hypersphere Mini Vibrating Massage Ball looks like a toy from the eighties, but it strengthens weak hands. Toss in your gym bag or bring it to work to tighten your grip. The vibrating sphere has three speed settings, can be used to massage your palm, wrists, and even fingers. But what’s truly noteworthy is how it can be used on other parts of the body, like your neck, legs, and even feet. It can be used with batteries, recharged with a USB cable, and runs two hours straight. It’s also TSA-approved, so don’t forget to pack it for your next resort excursion.

Promising review: “This unit is truly amazing. The vibration comes with three different intensities, and the size is just right for pinpointing. [It] helps relax those trigger points on your muscles too.”

There’s so much to love about this massager from LifePro. It relieves soreness through a combo of shiatsu pressure, and heated compression. Multiple massagers in the chamber target wrist, fingers, and palm. Unlike some devices, it warms your hand quickly, and you have five programs to choose from. Ease into your session with the gentle pressure mode, and then turn it up to dig deep into muscles.

Promising review: ‘I absolutely love this product! I have rheumatoid arthritis, which causes daily joint pain, and swelling in my fingers and wrist. I have been using it on two cycles on each hand, and I have noticeably reduced stiffness, pain, and swelling. I really like the added option of heat. It doesn’t get overly hot either. It’s great that you’re restricted to being near a power outlet, and that the charge last about eight to 10 sessions.‘

The Electric Heal Compress doesn’t enclose around your hand, but that’s sort of the point. The massage helps you stretch your fingers, promoting flexibility, while vibrating your palm. When the ball is fully gripped it also stimulates the back of fingers, and can be rolled against the wrist. It has a heat function, and is a fantastic option if you’re suffering muscle spasms. Use it while enjoying a movie, reading, or for stress relief during a zoom call.

Promising review: ‘This saved my thumb tendon after laceration surgery! I used the heat setting four to five times a a day, and the healing process was better than physical therapy alone. I highly recommend!’

Want even more at-home remedies? Keep reading!

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