Plant a garden without pain
Photo: Tassii/gettyimages
Gardening is a popular springtime activity. But it can take a toll on your body – particularly your hands, wrists, knees and back. Keep yourself feeling good all season long with these tips from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand:
Wear gloves. They’ll protect your hands from blisters and your skin from fertilizers, pesticides and other substances that may be in the soil.
Rotate your tasks. Repetitive motions such as digging, raking and planting bulbs can irritate your tendons and nerves. Vary your gardening tasks every 15 minutes to avoid injury. And don’t forget to take a break between tasks.
Use proper tools. Sharp objects or debris may be hiding in soil. Clear away debris as well as you can before beginning, and make sure to use a hand shovel or rake – not your hands.
Check your posture. Your wrists should be in a neutral position when planting.
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