Green Thumb, Healthy Joints: Gardening Tips for Orthopedic Wellness

The Handy and Health Benefits of Gardening

Taking care of your hands is key to keeping life enjoyable, especially when dealing with orthopedic issues. Doing activities like gardening can help your hand joints. Gardening gets your hands moving in a variety of different ways, which is good for them. But remember to garden carefully so you don't hurt your hands or make any conditions worse. In this article we will outline the benefits gardening has for hand health, and some tips from Orthopedic pros!

Improved Mobility

Planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, and handling gardening tools require nimble and intricate hand movements that enhance fine motor skills, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with hand joint conditions like arthritis.

Tip: Opt for lightweight gardening tools with padded handles that minimize strain on the hands and joints. Tools with long handles can also reduce the need for excessive gripping and bending. Also, use your whole hand, instead of a few fingers for heavy lifting, and utilize adaptive tools or assistive devices to reduce strain on the hands.

Strength Building

Engaging in activities such as digging, raking, and pruning provides resistance training for the muscles surrounding the hand joints, promoting strength and stability.

Tip: Be willing to adapt gardening tasks to accommodate your overall musculoskeletal health. For example, use a kneeling pad or garden stool to reduce strain on your hands and wrists while weeding or planting.

Range of Motion Maintenance

The repetitive motions involved in gardening help maintain the range of motion in the hand joints, preventing stiffness and reducing the risk of contractures.

Tip: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain in your hands and adjust your gardening activities accordingly. If you experience persistent pain or swelling, consult with an orthopedic specialist for personalized guidance and treatment.

Sensory Stimulation

Touching different textures, handling soil, and feeling the plants' leaves provide sensory stimulation for the hands, which can be therapeutic for individuals with nerve-related hand conditions.

Tip: Engage in regular hand exercises and activities to promote joint health and safety. This can include squeezing stress balls, using therapy putty, or doing finger stretches. These activities help improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce the risk of joint stiffness or injury. Remember to start slowly and gradually increase intensity to avoid overexertion.

Gardening for Stress Relief

Gardening has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can indirectly benefit hand joint health by reducing muscle tension and inflammation associated with stress.

Tip: Pace yourself while gardening and take regular breaks to rest your hands and stretch your fingers and wrists. Alternate between tasks that require different hand movements to prevent overuse.

Gardening can be a therapeutic and fulfilling activity that offers unique benefits for hand joint health. By incorporating hand-friendly tools, pacing yourself, and listening to your body, you can enjoy the rewards of gardening while protecting the health and mobility of your hands.

Digging up PAIN?

If you find that you're experiencing pain while doing the activities you love, it's time to reach out to an orthopedic specialist for an evaluation. The orthopedic specialists at OrthoCarolina are available for same-day appointments in some areas. Book online today.

This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. If you are seeking specific orthopedic advice or assistance, please consult with your OrthoCarolina physician or locate one in your area through OrthoCarolina’s website at www.OrthoCarolina.com.