Now that spring is in the air, many of us are headed to the garden. Unfortunately, some of us may at risk of developing a hand injury because of the unaccustomed activity. Once we develop a hand injury, we may have more difficulty performing work or play tasks on the computer. The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) offers some tips that will keep your hands in healthy computing condition.

Wear gloves and a light shirt to keep your hands and arms covered. This will help prevent infections and injuries from thorns, cuts and scrapes, rashes from poison oak or ivy, and bites from snakes, spiders or rodents that might be disturbed.

To prevent a tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other repetitive motion injury from unaccustomed activity, take frequent breaks. Switch between different types of gardening activities often. Use tools with thicker handles and padded handles. Avoid constant, repetitive or awkward gripping of tools or awkward motions. Remember to keep your wrists in a neutral position while gardening as well as while typing. Keep your shoulders relaxed.

Distribute the workload between both hands to prevent too much stress on one. Use baskets or containers to carry tools. Carry the basket with both hands. Use a wheeled cart if possible if you have heavier tools. Use a short gardening stool or bench to sit on rather than kneeling on bended knees. This will protect your back as well as your hands (if you need to push yourself up placing pressure on your wrists).

Use the right tool for the job to avoid injuries. Use and store tools correctly to avoid trips, falls or other injuries. Keep sharp tools out of the reach of children.

To read the complete article on preventing hand injuries while gardening, please visit ASHT.org (http://www.asht.org/education/GardeningInjury.cfm).

Marji Hajic is an Occupational Therapist and a Certified Hand Therapist practicing at the Hand Therapy & Occupational Fitness Center in Santa Barbara, California. For more information on hand and upper extremity injuries, prevention and recovery, visit Hand Health Resources (www.handhealthresources.com).