Arthritis and garden tools

Discussion in 'Gardening For People With Disabilities' started by TheMadHedger, Jan 9, 2024.

  1. TheMadHedger

    TheMadHedger Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2008
    Messages:
    661
    Location:
    Wales
    Ratings:
    +246
    I've recently started to develop osteoarthritis in my left thumb - are there any recommend handles or other attachments that I can use with my loppers and shears that will minimise the use of my left thumb while using the aforementioned tools?

    Thanks
     
  2. ricky101

    ricky101 Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2016
    Messages:
    3,385
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Sheffield
    Ratings:
    +4,291
    There are be some tools out there to help, usually more for small hand tools like trowels with extra long shaped handles, not sure about loppers etc.
    Possibly going electric might be easier ? Plenty of electric trimmers and loppers around.

    Using hand shears on a hedge would be just too painful, our 40 year old Black and Decker electric hedge trimmers still going strong, would not be without them.

    Also look at more basic things like gloves to keep hands warm and supported.
    Just search on 'Gardening Gloves for Arthritis'
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • TheMadHedger

      TheMadHedger Gardener

      Joined:
      Feb 4, 2008
      Messages:
      661
      Location:
      Wales
      Ratings:
      +246
      Thanks for the tips.

      I tend to use shears when cutting back brambles (and then long handled loppers for the tough stems). I was hoping that there would be some kind of grips that I could attach to existing handles to save wear and tear on my thumbs.
       
    • TheMadHedger

      TheMadHedger Gardener

      Joined:
      Feb 4, 2008
      Messages:
      661
      Location:
      Wales
      Ratings:
      +246
      Thank you. It does surprise me that there don't appear to be any available attachments for existing tools. There's a whole potential industry here .......
       
      • Agree Agree x 2
      • TheMadHedger

        TheMadHedger Gardener

        Joined:
        Feb 4, 2008
        Messages:
        661
        Location:
        Wales
        Ratings:
        +246
        Sadly this does seem likely.
         
      • ricky101

        ricky101 Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Jun 15, 2016
        Messages:
        3,385
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Sheffield
        Ratings:
        +4,291
        Are you clearing an old allotment or similar ?

        Would not cut them back, just use SBK brushwood killer once the new shoots have emerged in spring.
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

          Joined:
          Jan 9, 2005
          Messages:
          50,488
          Gender:
          Male
          Occupation:
          Retired
          Location:
          Mid Kent
          Ratings:
          +92,076
          I was under the impression that some aids are VAT free, I know that may not possibly include gardening tools, I've never looked into it.
          I'm just wondering what kind of aid could help someone, using shears, with thumb problems?
           
          • Like Like x 1
          Loading...

          Share This Page

          1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
            By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
            Dismiss Notice