Morgan Freeman, left, and Margot Robbie are seen walking onstage at the Oscars (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
The 95th Academy Awards, also called the Oscars, was a much-talked-about grand affair with many first-time winners. Amid the applause, what drew people’s concern was American actor Morgan Freeman walking up on the stage alongside Margot Robbie with a black glove on his left hand.
Morgan Freeman can be seen wearing a compression glove (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Morgan, 85, can be seen wearing compression gloves to manage pain associated with fibromyalgia, a nerve disorder which is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues, according to Mayo Clinic.
The Million Dollar Baby actor has opened up in the past about his health concerns following an accident in 2008 which affected his mobility, post sustaining a broken arm and shoulder in a car crash. In a 2010 interview with People, he said, “I suffered nerve damage, and it hasn’t gotten better. I can’t move it”.
Notably, the Glory actor underwent surgery to repair the nerve damage but his left hand still remains immobile which is why he uses his right for everyday tasks.
In a 2012 interview with Esquire on playing golf, he shared, “I play one-handed”, adding, “I swing with my right arm”.
He also spoke about his condition in detail during the same interview. “It’s the fibromyalgia,” Morgan revealed. “Up and down the arm. That’s where it gets so bad. Excruciating.”
Morgan is seen wearing a compression glove during most of his red carpet appearances. We reached out to experts to understand more about how these gloves help.
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Dr Udit Kapoor, consultant, Metro Hospital, Faridabad mentioned that compression gloves provide support and warmth to swollen, stiff hands and the associated joints. “They work in part by increasing the oxygen delivery to working muscles and enhancing circulation for faster removal of lactic acid and other metabolic wastes,” said Dr Kapoor, adding that such gloves also help relieve aches and pains, decrease swelling, and help the body better its movement.
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“These lightweight gloves won’t restrict your hand movement and offer great dexterity so you can still turn the pages of a book, hold a pen or even scissors,” elucidated Dr Kapoor.
Concurred Varun Rattan, co-founder, The Body Science Academy, Noida and said that as they apply mechanical pressure on the forearm, it helps improve blood flow in the arms. “Compression gear can be worn without concern,” he mentioned.
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These are usually limited to use during the daytime and can be worn long-term, on and off till pain and swelling subside, mentioned Dr Ankit Batra, orthopaedic surgeon, Sharda Hospital. “In case of Morgan Freeman, a similar situation appears to have developed where after his accident in 2008, he has been wearing compression gloves on and off,” said Dr Batra.
reference<https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/morgan-freeman-compression-glove-oscars-2023-benefits-injury-8495673/