For many, spring’s arrival signals it’s time to garden. For gardeners suffering with joint pain or mobility issues, it can also mean new challenges.

Finding ways to make gardening accessible for all is one mission of West Virginia AgrAbility, a partner program of West Virginia University Extension Service.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five American adults is plagued by arthritis, making them more likely to experience joint pain and discomfort. While this could hinder the gardening experience for some, West Virginia AgrAbility Program Coordinator Inetta Fluharty says that doesn’t have to be the case.

There are many ways to stay active in the garden despite arthritis and limited mobility, Fluharty said. While people who suffer from arthritis issues are often put off by the thought of gardening, worrying that it might be too difficult or painful, Fluharty says gardening is a great activity for keeping joints flexible and maintaining range of motion.

Something as simple as digging in the warm soil with your hands can offer pain relief in your hands and wrists. When soil is warm, it helps to warm the joints in your hands, letting more blood flow through and lessening soreness, Fluharty said. The digging motion also helps increase hand, arm and shoulder mobility.

Gardening with arthritis and joint stiffness can be more manageable by following these AgrAbility tips:

• If the soil is not warm, be certain to wear gardening gloves to protect joints from cold temperatures. Buy a larger size and line inside with foam padding to cushion joints.
• Break your gardening chores up into smaller jobs to do throughout the day or over several days. Take frequent breaks, changing position and tasks often to prevent fatigue.
• Gently stretch before getting in the garden to help loosen joints and prevent injury.
• Use long-handled tools so you can stand instead of stooping while gardening. Easy-to-grip hand tools and large handles make using tools much more comfortable.
• Use your larger joints to do the work. Instead of using your fingers to lift an object, try using the palm of your hand, forearm or elbow.

Assistive technology

Assistive technologies offer options to help the gardener from the first planting through the last harvest. Forms of assistive technology exist for numerous handicaps, from struggling to bend or stoop to difficulty using hand tools. Examples of assistive technology that can be useful in the garden are:

• Different types of handles on tools make gripping easier and relieve stress on joints.
• Find tools offering additional grips in an upright position, which takes the stress off of your back and legs.
• Large knobs added to spigots make it easier to turn the water on and off.
• Garden kneelers, seats and knee pads reduce the overuse of the back, hips, knees and legs. The added knee protection can also prevent “gardener’s knee,” a painful inflammation caused by overuse.
• A seed planter makes work go more quickly at sowing season, reducing time spent stooping.
• Long handled tools, as well as tools to pick fruits from the ground or trees can be helpful during harvesting.

For photo examples of each of the assistive technologies described above, visit www.bit.ly/lifetimegardening.

Find positive solutions

Fluharty said that the most important thing when managing a garden is to be honest with yourself. Know your strengths and admit your limitations.

Make decisions about which tasks could be carried out by others. Consider sharing part of your garden in return for the additional help.

Lastly, pace yourself. If issues arise, stay positive and research assistive technologies available to help you persevere.

West Virginia AgrAbility is funded through a United States Department of Agriculture grant and is a partnership between West Virginia University Extension Service and other local and state agencies.

The program assists individuals who have physical disabilities or cognitive limitations find ways to overcome barriers and continue in their chosen agriculture endeavor.

If you or someone you know has limitations making gardening difficult, West Virginia AgrAbility can help in finding assistive technology solutions. For more information, call Fluharty at 304-771-8747 or email agrability@wvagrability.org.

-WVU-

blu/5/13/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.