Tips to gardening with arthritis

From tribtoday.com

By Eileen Novotny

When I began going to water exercise class years ago, I would often hear someone in the group telling others that “Arthur” came to visit or was back. I soon realized that they were not talking about an unwelcome visiting relative but experiencing joint pain from one of the more than 100 conditions of the joints from which over 27 million American suffer.

Arthritis causes pain, stiffness, swelling and heat in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, hips, back, etc. Yuk. Not what I wanted to hear.

Even when Arthur comes back, we need to counter that pain with one of the great jobs in life that is proven to lift our spirits and bring us mindfulness. Getting outside to work in the garden is one of the joys in life and arthritis can prevent that.

The Arthritis Foundation has several resources that give tips on gardening with arthritis as does the Ohio State University OhioAgrAbility site. I have incorporated several of these tips in my vegetable and perennial gardening and can vouch for them — they work and help me enjoy gardening even more.

Stooping causes pain, so finding a way to bring the garden closer to you is important. The key is discovering new ways and adapting and adjusting.

I have a raised planter box, which is perfect for raising herbs and one or two tomato plants. I have a rolling work seat that my husband found. Positioning it next to the raised bed relieves the stress on my back and knees. I plant in containers, both ceramic and fabric grow bags that I place on rolling dollies that enable me to move them with minimal bending and effort.

Several OSU Master Gardener Volunteer friends have recommended joint-friendly tools, some long-handled for easy reaching and some easy-to-grip hand tools that lessen the stress on your hands and wrists. A little research on the internet or at your local garden shop will help you get the best possible choice for your situation.

This winter is a great time to do the research, make the orders, or make hints to your loved ones of things you need to keep gardening.

Gloves are a life-saver. I cannot say enough about wearing gloves to protect delicate skin from cuts and scratches and possible infections. Consider gloves with a bit of padding in the fingers and the palm to help distribute pressure and improve your grip.

Do some gentle stretching before you begin your gardening to loosen your joints and prevent injury. Hydrate, hydrate and take frequent breaks.

Ready now to head out to your garden for some great pain free exercise that is good for the body, mind and soul?

Find out more about tools and design at http://go.osu.edu/easiergardening .

Download a guide for you or others at https://go.osu.edu/arthritisgardening .

Novotny is an Ohio State University Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.

https://www.tribtoday.com/life/lifecovers/2024/01/tips-to-gardening-with-arthritis/