Self Going green Arthritis can make gardening hard work. But follow our advice and you can keep up with your healthy hobby for longer WORDS: HEATHER STEPHEN The sun is out and the sky is blue, so it’s the perfect time to get stuck into the gardening. But, for people with arthritis, this pastime can be more of a challenge. If you tire easily and have painful joints, tending your plants may seem like more trouble than it’s worth, but we can all enjoy the pleasures of gardening if we change how we do it. Karin Orman, lead professional adviser at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, says: “People tend to get stuck in patterns of behaviour. For instance, you may have spent four hours at a time gardening in the past. But, if you have arthritis, this is likely to make inflammation worse and cause pain and fatigue.” But people should carry on gardening if they enjoy it, says Orman. “It’s rewarding, a great form of exercise, boosts your mental health and is a distraction from pain – but it is important to recognise your limits.” Take a breather “Listen to your body. Take breaks every 20 minutes, and change tasks regularly to avoid repetitive movements. Also avoid over-stretching and holding your body in an awkward position. “Think about the time of day you garden. Some people need time in the morning for their joints to become less stiff and painful, so they might be better heading out into the garden in the afternoon. Other people may feel more tired in the afternoon, though.” Having an absorbing hobby can be distract you from any pain you’re in, but Orman warns you need to be careful you don’t get so lost in the activity that you forget to take breaks and overdo it, putting your body under stress. Choose the right equipment If arthritis has affected your grip, an occupational therapist can advise on special tools or may suggest adaptations such as spongy sleeves to slip over the handles of rakes or hoes. “There a wide range of tools available from specialist suppliers and garden centres to counter a weak grip, and you can adapt tools you already have with add-on handles and grips,” says Orman. Long-handed tools prevent you over-stretching, while kneeling pads are the perfect way to take the strain off your knees. Design and plan your garden carefully There are many ways that you can enjoy low-maintenance gardening. Opt for fences instead of hedges, choose hardy perennials rather than bedding plants, and go for narrow beds and raised planters to avoid overstretching. You could consider swapping your lawn for gravel, and putting down weed membrane and bark on your borders to cut down on weeding. Watch how you do it When carrying things, try to spread the load by using your arms rather than fingers, which are more likely to get injured. Try to avoid heavy loads, and plan your work to minimise fatigue. For example, use two small bags of compost rather than one big one, think about what you need, and use wheelbarrows to avoid unnecessary trips to and from your garage or shed. “Gardening offers many health and wellbeing benefits and, with the right adaptation and modifications, people with arthritis can experience these benefits, too,” says Mark Lang from Thrive, a charity that runs gardening projects to change the lives of disabled people. “There are many ways you can reduce your workload and make gardening more accessible – but don’t underestimate the importance of just being in the garden. Feeling like you have time to sit and enjoy the view is important, too.” FIND OUT MORE n For more information on adaptations, go to Thrive’s website at thrive.org.uk n Get some green-fingered tips from our gardening booklet at versusarthritis.org/gardening OUR TOP FIVE GARDENING TOOLS 1. Reach out Peta UK long-reach tools make it easy to reach those out-of-the-way places in your garden. They have a non-slip grip and angled handles for comfortable use. Priced from £29.95, peta-uk.com 4. Rooting for you Forest Garden Wooden Deep Root Planter is just what you need for potting your plants without strain. It has a capacity of 353 litres, and, at 80cm high, there’s no need to bend. 3. Loyal supporter For extra power, try this Easi-Grip Arm Support cuff. The aluminium rod plugs into any Easi-Grip garden tool, supporting your forearm and reducing stress on your wrists. Priced £5.95, peta-uk.com 5. Roll with it The Garden Roller Stool is a handy toolbox and seat in one. Keep your gardening gloves and tools inside, then sit on it while you garden and save energy as you roll from job to job. ISTOCK.COM /ALEXRATHS / ANGEL_1978 Priced £104.54, internetgardener.co.uk Priced £34.99, betterlifehealthcare.com 2. Shear luck Darlac’s award-winning lightweight shears weigh less than 1kg, and they have extra-long adjustable handles, which are useful if you have shoulder or arm problems. Priced £29.99, amazon.co.uk