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Step 1
Arthritis is a thief. It makes you want to stop doing the things you have enjoyed and it makes you think twice before trying anything new. It is logical to think that if you don't use your joints, the arthritis will not hurt so much or will stop progressing. It doesn't work that way. If you stop using the joints you start losing mobility in them. The trick is to not let the thief get away with everything. So what should you do?
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Step 2
Keep active. From doctors, hand therapists and life lessons I have learned that activity is important but in a form modified from the way you used to do things. There are lots of ergonomic tools out there but you may have to try different ones to see which work the best for you. Hand therapists suggest using tools with thicker "padded" handles. The key is to reduce the impact and vibration of striking and to avoid too much stress on the joints. This requires a somewhat softer grip than most tools have. One company, Hand Friendly Garden Tools has a good selection of tools with this type of grip. You can see their online shop by clicking on to the link under Resources at the bottom of this article.
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Step 3
Caterpillar Clan v-hoeTry longer handled tools. A hand tool with a longer handle (the one in the photo has a 15 inch handle) will allow you to use both hands for leverage when needed. This keeps the stress from being on just your dominant hand. It also extends your reach if you are using one hand. If you also have arthritis in your back or knees, the extended reach can make a big difference.
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Step 4
Take it easy. If you love being in the garden, it is so easy to overdo it when the sun is warm and the weeds are threatening to take over the world. The hardest thing is admitting that you should not do it all yourself. Let people help you with the heavy stuff. After all, that is what God made teenagers for.
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Step 5
Consider going to raised bed gardening. There are many styles of raised beds. Enlist family and friends to help you build yours, please. Raised beds can be very simple in design or as elaborate as your imagination dictates. If you keep it simple, it is a great weekend project for that handyman in your life. If you don't have a family handyman, consider approaching your church or local civic groups. They often are happy to donate time for a good deed. It is a rewarding experience for everyone. Once the heavy work is done, raised gardens are easy to maintain and anything from flowers to vegetables flourish in them. You can fill the beds with soil that is easy to work and weeds are easier to control.
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Step 6
Try hand massage. At the end of the day, a gentle hand massage will help reduce inflammation. Use your favorite hand lotion or oil. Hold your hand with the fingertips up and massage in a downward motion, starting with the fingertips and working toward your elbow. This is even better if you have someone who can do the massage for you!
