Gardening can be a rewarding experience for people of all ages and a life-long passion to many. However, for Americans who suffer from osteoarthritis, tending to plants and perennials during their golden years may be difficult and painful. According to the Arthritis Foundation*, there are some simple modifications that can help keep your garden growing with ease.
* First, create a garden that helps you. Before you even get started, arrange your garden in a way that makes your tasks easier and conserves your energy. For example, make sure your garden has a nearby water source so you don't have to carry watering cans or hoses and keep tools and storage close.
* Choose your plants wisely. Don't be afraid to ask about plants that require little care, such as ones that don't need regular pruning or maintenance. Plant shrubs or perennials that bloom every year so you don't have to replant each time.
* Set your posture clock. Maintain good posture at all times. Switch tasks every thirty minutes or so and take fifteen-minute breaks every hour to ease tension and reduce stiffness. And stretch before you begin to get your body ready for activity and help prevent injuries.
* Bend, pinch and cut correctly. If you have to work close to the ground, place only one knee on the ground and keep your back straight, or use a stool.
* Update your tools. The equipment you use can make a big difference. Wear a carpenter's apron with several pockets to hold tools. Keep pruners sharp to make cutting easier. Use hoes or rakes that have long handles to avoid bending or stooping. Widen tool handles with foam tubing or grip tape to make them easier to grasp.
But if you do suffer from pain after over-doing it in the garden, David Baras, M.D., of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of South Florida School of Medicine has tips to reduce the soreness and pain.
* Listen to your body. Pain as a result of gardening often sets in hours after weeding the flower beds. Don't try to do the entire garden project in one day, especially if it is a large one. Break it up into several small parts and over several days.
* Treat the pain. For his patients whose osteoarthritis pain is exacerbated by stressful joint activities like gardening, Baras recommends an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen, the medicine in TYLENOL? Arthritis Pain. Acetaminophen, the medicine in TYLENOL?, won't irritate the stomach the way that non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, naproxen sodium, or even ibuprofen sometimes can. Baras encourages people to talk to their doctor about which pain reliever is right for them.
* Soak and stretch. If you have sore muscles, try soaking in a warm bath to help soothe your joints. Stretch before and after activity to help maintain flexibility and range of motion.
Author: Richard Lewis
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