I've really been missing my gardening routine, but since dealing with chronic pain, it's become a real challenge. I've started sitting down while I weed and using a rolling cart to carry my tools. I can only manage short bursts of work at a time. I'm looking for any tips or hacks that might make gardening easier for someone in my situation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
For hand and elbow pain, I recommend using Voltaren gel about 20 minutes before you start gardening. My partner and I also split the work, which helps a lot—he helps out with the heavy lifting while I manage the lighter tasks. It turns gardening into a team effort that’s easier on me!
One thing that really helped me was installing raised garden beds that are about 30 inches tall. It saves your back from all that bending! I also grow dwarf tomatoes in them, which is a nice bonus. That way, it's all within reach without straining yourself too much. Give it a try!
That's a great idea! I think I need to modify my setup to make it more comfortable for longer sessions.
I can relate to the struggle! Before I had my knee and hip replacements, I set up several of these elevated garden beds. They really made gardening doable despite having mobility issues. You can find them at various stores, not just Home Depot, and they are super helpful for anyone dealing with pain while gardening.
That’s smart! I've never thought to use a pain relief cream before gardening; I’ll definitely give it a shot.