Who would use wheelchair gloves
Wheelchair gloves are used by wheelchair users, predominantly by those who use manual wheelchairs. Self-propulsion on a manual wheelchair can be lots of work especially when on difficult terrain.
Operation of a manual wheelchair requires the use of every part of the hand, including the palms, fingers, and wrists. Since wheelchair users use their hands to do the bulk of the work required to move the wheelchair, getting blisters, sprains, and calluses is rather easy.
These occur when hands are strained, so it is a good idea for wheelchair users to invest in decent gloves to protect their hands and prevent straining.
What to look out for when buying wheelchair gloves
Purchasing gloves for wheelchair users should be a careful and well thought-out decision. Aim to purchase a pair of wheelchair pushing gloves that suits your needs perfectly. Here are some of the things that you should look out for when purchasing these gloves:
Look for gloves that fit you perfectly. Gloves for wheelchair user should have an allowance for some air to circulate so that your arm could breathe, which will prevent your hand from sweating a lot and getting irritated.
When buying a pair of wheelchair gloves designed especially for wheelchair users it is good to look out for those manufactured using strong materials.
The stronger the material the longer the gloves will last. The gloves should also allow some amount of flexibility so that your hands can perform a wide range of tasks with ease.
Suede is stylish but it is not a practical material for wheelchair gloves because it is soft. Lycra, on the other hand, is very flexible, it is elastic and also very comfortable, however, it is not a strong material compared to others.
Neoprene is a light material that is flexible and waterproof, but it gets easily damaged. Leather is the strongest of all four materials, it is fairly waterproof and long-lasting. It also allows the user’s hands to breathe fairly well so there won’t be much sweating.
Also, look for gloves that provide adequate support. Gloves should give you maximum grip on the wheels of your chair to prevent straining.
Consider gloves that have protective padding. This is a protective layer made of rubber or gel inside the wheelchair glove that protects the hand while gripping objects like the wheel rims. Your glove should also have fastenings or cuffs to tighten them on your hand.
Wheelchair gloves designed especially for wheelchair users come in many varieties, including cut-off gloves and full-length gloves.
Full-length gloves cover the whole palm area plus the fingers and they provide the best protection. Cut-off gloves leave your fingers exposed, allowing you to perform various tasks while you still have them on.
Ultimately, it is your own personal preference and comfort levels that should determine what you get.
How much do wheelchair gloves cost
Wheelchair gloves come at many prices. Prices typically range from £1.00 to £35.00 depending on the features they offer.
It is important for consumers to identify their specific needs and budget before pointing out what they like. Expensive wheelchair gloves are bound to last longer than the cheap ones.