8 smart tools that make gardening less painful

Bending over and over can put extra strain on your back and make existing joint pain worse. If a kneeling or bench isn’t right for you, Dr. Raoofi suggests a raised garden bed. These beds essentially lift your gardening space into the air and can be used while standing, he says. The result: minimal stress on your back joints. You can also sit on a stool while gardening in a raised bed, without having to bend over.

While doing anything with your hands and wrists is almost a guarantee of pain, a wrist brace can help prevent future discomfort, according to Dr. Raoofi. These “allow a person to use the strength of their forearm and arm rather than their hand and wrist to do things like digging or cultivating,” he explains. Simply strap it on well before you garden and go to work – the splint will keep your wrist aligned and provide extra support.

Supportive shoes are crucial for protecting your joints during your day, whether in the garden or elsewhere, says Dr. Mikhael. Vionic was founded by a podiatrist and the company’s shoes are renowned for their quality and support. These trainers don’t have laces, a nice bonus for days when your grip isn’t optimal.

Conventional hose nozzles require users to squeeze and hold them in order to spray water, which can be uncomfortable if your fingers and hands hurt. Dr. Jongco recommends tools that don’t require a lot of force or a strong grip, like this flexible hose. It has an extended length, so you don’t have to reach or descend to water your plants, and you can turn it on and off with your thumb, eliminating the need for a firm grip on your hose.

Weeding is notoriously hard on your back, thanks to anything that bends over and straightens up. This vertical weed killer allows you to fish out stubborn weeds and roots, without putting unnecessary strain on your back. Longer tools like this “save you having to bend over, which can make your pain worse,” says Dr. Jongco.