Gardening can be hard on the gardener's back, knees, arms and wrists--but some of today's tools can help take the pressure off. Charlie Nardozzi of the National Gardening Association presents information on some of the ergonomic improvements in garden tools. Early in the season, after a long winter of inactivity, it's easy to overdo it and end up with stiff muscles and sore joints. To help protect yourself, do some warm-up exercises before you begin heavy lifting and digging. And if you have back problems, consider planting in raised beds so you won't have to bend and stoop as much. Keep a hose in the garden so you won't have to lug heavy cans of water to your plants. Performing repetitive tasks--for example, pruning for lengthy periods -- can cause problems such as carpal-tunnel syndrome. Shears with rotating handles (figure A) can take some of the stress off the wrist and prevent blisters. Ratchet-type pruners (figure B) mechanically improve your leverage to make it easier to cut through large branches and limbs. They're useful for people who have arthritis or weak hands. Some of today's cultivating tools are more comfortable to hold and easier to work with for extended periods without injury. If you'd rather use your old, familiar tools, consider wearing a wrist support that keeps the wrist steady and transfers the work to the forearm and elbow.
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