Gardening is a relaxing hobby for many people. However, for those who have joint problems such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, a loved pastime like gardening can become painful. Planning joint protection techniques before you begin gardening can decrease unnecessary strain on your joints. Using these techniques when performing an activity such as pulling weeds can help reduce your pain, so you can continue with your hobby.
Preparing to Weed
Step 1
Make sure your tools are adequate. Using weeding tools helps avoid pinching and tight grasping, which can increase the strain on the small joints in your hands. If you don't have large-handled weeding tools available, try wrapping the tool handles with tape or foam.
Step 2
Choose a time of day when you know you will be at your best. For instance, if you suffer from arthritis and have morning stiffness, wait until you are "warmed up" before heading to the garden.
Step 3
Gather your materials together to save trips back and forth. Place all of your tools, your weed bag or bucket and your seat or kneeling pad onto your wheeled cart. Choose one section of garden to start with, and place all of your items within easy reach.
Pulling Weeds
Step 1
Kneel on your pad, or sit on your bench, in the middle of your weeding area. Using your large-handled weeding tool, begin removing weeds one at a time and placing them into your bag.
Step 2
Alternate positions frequently to avoid placing extra stress on your back, hip or knee joints. After sitting for 20 minutes, try standing up and switching to a longer-handled tool. After another 20 minutes, try kneeling.
Step 3
Take breaks frequently to empty your weed bucket or bag. It helps to use a smaller bag, which will cue you to stand and stretch more often.
Step 4
Once you finish your starting area, move all of your tools to the next area and begin the same process. Continue to alternate positions and tools. Repeat until you have covered your entire garden area.
Step 5
Once you have finished weeding, apply a thick layer of mulch to your garden, covering the areas prone to weeds. This will help prevent weed roots from growing back. Any weeds that do grow back should have shallow roots, and will take less effort to pull.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have a large garden area, divide your weeding up over multiple days. This can prevent joint and muscle fatigue, which can increase the likelihood of sore joints. Alternatively, you can enlist some help from a family member or friend to decrease the amount of time spent working.
- The Arthritis Foundation recommends keeping your walker or cane nearby if you use one. Take extra time to move around your garden if you use an assistive walking device, especially if the terrain is uneven.
Things You'll Need
- Portable garden bench or kneeling pad
- Large-handled weed tool
- Long-handled weed tool
- Tape or foam for handles
- Small bag or bucket
- Wheeled cart
- Mulch
