Healthy Hands and Wrists for Gardeners
Got a green thumb? Keep injuries from blooming in your garden this spring.
As a hobby, gardening provides not only a healthy dose of exercise but also fresh air and sunshine. It provides vitamin D exposure, decreases your dementia risk, provides mood-boosting benefits, and helps combat loneliness.
Be sure to protect your hands and wrists while watching your plants grow with these tips.
Think taller
Consider using raised flower beds, hanging baskets, and window boxes as options for your flowers and plants. Taller beds lessen the strain on your neck and back.
Use the right tools
For wrists and hands, invest in spring-loaded tools designed to help assist with garden work. For knees, purchase a garden kneeler, seat, or wear knee-pads. For backs, use long-handled tools: rakes, shovels, stand-up weed pullers.
Protect yourself while gardening with these tips:
Time of Day: Consider the temperatures throughout the day and don’t forget sun protection.
Warm-Up: Stretch your back, wrists, and chest. Lift correctly, which means always lift with your knees.
Pace Yourself: Listen to your body and take breaks when you need to.
Proper Form: Utilize your abdominals often, and make sure all movements are fluid
Stay active with OrthoArkansas.
We’re proud to keep gardeners of all ages active through the largest staff of fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians statewide. OrthoArkansas is the leading provider of orthopedic care in Arkansas and specializes in Hand and Wrist treatment.
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