Don’t Let Hand Pain Ruin Your Gardening Season
Spring is here, and so is gardening season—but after months of rest, diving back into weeding, pruning, and planting can lead to unexpected hand pain. Whether it’s a dull ache, tingling fingers, or sore wrists, these symptoms are more than just a nuisance—they’re signs your hands need some attention.
At North 49, we see a surge in hand pain from gardening every spring. The good news? You can prevent most issues with a few simple strategies.
1. Tendonitis: A Common Cause of Hand Pain
What it is: Tendonitis often affects your thumb or wrist from repetitive use of garden tools. It’s one of the most frequent causes of springtime hand pain.
Watch for:
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Soreness at the base of your thumb
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Aching in your wrist after digging or pruning
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Swelling or tenderness
Prevent it:
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Use padded, ergonomic tools
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Change tasks every 20–30 minutes
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Warm up your hands with gentle stretches
2. Trigger Finger: When Hand Pain Snaps Back
What it is: A type of tendon irritation where a finger locks in a bent position and then suddenly straightens. It’s often linked to gripping tools too tightly.
Watch for:
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Clicking or locking of the finger
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Pain at the base of the affected finger
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Finger stiffness in the morning
Prevent it:
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Avoid tight grips
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Wear cushioned gardening gloves
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Stretch and relax your hands regularly
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Nerve-Related Hand Pain
What it is: Pressure on the median nerve in your wrist can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness—especially when using poor wrist posture while gardening.
Watch for:
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Numbness or tingling in the fingers
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Worsening symptoms at night
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Weakness in your grip
Prevent it:
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Keep wrists neutral while gardening
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Avoid leaning on your palms
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Use wrist supports or braces as needed
4. Sprains and Strains: Sudden Surges of Hand Pain
What it is: Lifting, twisting, or overreaching can cause muscle or ligament strain in your hand or wrist.
Watch for:
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Sharp pain during or after activity
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Swelling or bruising
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Difficulty moving your hand or fingers
Prevent it:
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Lift with your legs and core
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Use both hands for heavy lifting
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Move slowly and deliberately
Protect Your Hands Like You Protect Your Plants
Stretch before you garden. Take breaks. Use the right tools. If your hand pain lingers or keeps returning, it’s not something you should ignore.
Still Sore? We Can Help
Persistent hand pain can be frustrating, but you don’t have to live with it.
At North 49, we’re here to help you get back to gardening—without the discomfort. Whether it’s manual therapy, custom exercises, or expert advice, we’ve got your hands covered.
Book your appointment now and give your hands the care they deserve.