Gardening is a rewarding hobby, but it can take its toll on one’s hands especially for those with arthritis. Repetition and tightness in pruning can worsen the symptoms of arthritis and turn an otherwise delightful activity into a painful experience. That’s why choosing the right and best pruners for arthritic hands is crucial.
Why You Need Special Pruners for Arthritic Hands
Arthritis may lead to difficulty in holding things or cutting them because of joint pain and stiffness. Many regular pruners require a forceful grip and strong hand which can be very painful if you are suffering from arthritis. On the other hand, pruners made for arthritic hands are built ergonomically reducing the amount of power required to use them thus making their use more comfortable.
Key Features to Consider
In searching for suitable pruners that work well with arthritic hands, there are some vital points to consider:
Ergonomic Handles: Look out for pruners having handles that mold into your palms relieving the pressure off your joints. Most ergonomic systems have cushioned handles allowing soft grasping sensation.
Lightweight Materials: Since heavy tools make arthritis worse, lightweight but lasting materials should be chosen as pruning shears. This minimizes stress on your hands during long-term application.
Effortless Cutting Mechanisms: For instance, certain types of shears incorporate ratcheting and spring-loaded mechanisms that substantially reduce force needed to cut through something.Designed particularly for individuals with weak hand muscles.
Soft, Non-Slip Grips: Soft non-slip grips on handles enable easy gripping without excessive effort thereby preventing hand fatigue.
Sharp Blades: High quality sharp blades make cutting through branches and stems easier hence reducing the work for your hands. Besides, this ensures cleaner cuts on the plant.
Best Pruners Ideal for Arthritic Hands
Below are some of the best pruners that are particularly recommended for arthritis sufferers:
- Fiskars PowerGear2 Pruner
The Fiskars PowerGear2 Pruner is engineered to make your cutting power more efficient and reduce strain on your hands. Its rotating handle moves in line with your hand’s natural movement, thus making it easier to use. Due to their sharpness, the blades require less force to go through hard branches which makes it a favorite among gardeners suffering from arthritis.
- Gardenite Ultra Snip Pruning Shears
These lightweight shears designed for accuracy and comfort have soft cushioned handles making them gentle on hands therefore suitable for extended gardening sessions. Their longer blades enable precise cuts that come in handy when dealing with fragile plants.
- The Gardener’s Friend Ratchet Pruning Shears
These pruners are specifically designed for those with weak hands or arthritis. The ratchet mechanism allows you to cut through branches in stages meaning each squeeze requires less force than before so that you can save energy. A pruning made easy and comfortable by an ergonomic handle and razor-sharp blades.
- Gonicc 8″ professional SK-5 anvil pruning shears
Gonicc’s Professional Pruning Shears, 8 Inch have well-designed ergonomic features for the comfort of your hands when they are affected by arthritis; having non-slip and cushioned handles. This reduces the need to grip forcefully and make repetitive motions since the blades made from sharp SK-5 steel cut through thicker branches easily.
- VIVOSUN 6.5” gardening hand pruner
VIVOSUN Hand Pruner is a great option for those looking for something cheap and efficient as well. When it comes to making clean cuts, stainless steel blades do best while its handles are designed with a spring-action mechanism that makes it easy to open or close the pruners.
Tips on Using Pruners if You Have Arthritis
Even with the best pruners, there are some practices you should follow so that you may not feel uncomfortable or hurt your joints:
Warm up exercises: Do some hand stretches before you start cutting off some unwanted leaves or twigs. This will help you loosen your joints and make them more supple; thus reducing pain and stiffness resulting from pruning.
Take regular breaks: Don’t be too harsh on yourself, take breaks after certain intervals so as to rest your hands in order to prevent overexertion.
Wear gloves: Consider gloves with extra padding or arthritis designed ones. They provide additional support and comfort during pruning.
Keep tools sharp: Always ensure that your pruners have a sharp blade. Dull blades require more force which can strain your hands further.
Conclusion
Gardening shouldn’t be painful but an enjoyable activity.Here are the top rated pruners for arthritic hands that you can consider to continue enjoying garden time without any discomforts.Look out for ergonomic design, lightweight construction and easy mechanisms to operate when choosing a pair of pruners for your garden activities. Overcoming arthritis issues is possible through using the right tools in gardening that make it easier and less painful to maintain gardens.
