Tools to Manage Arthritis

With arthritis, many tasks around the farm that were once simple may no longer be carried out because of pain and stiffness in a farmer's joints.  Getting help from others may be beneficial, but is not always an option for long-term solutions.  There are many assistive devices that can be used and modifications that can be made to make jobs easier and less painful.

**NEW ARTICLE- Get Back into the Garden**
Thank you to Glenda Fauntleroy Shaw for allowing us to reprint Get Back into the Garden from the July- August 2010 Issue of Arthritis Today.

For more information on where to find and purchase these assistive devices, please consult The Toolbox resource from Purdue University's Breaking New Ground Resource Center by clicking on the link. To order the toolbox by phone, please call 1-800-825-4264.

   Assistive Devices and Modifications 
    -Ergonomic Tools 
    -Addition of Tractor Steps 
    -Utility Vehicles 
    -Portable/Adjustable Stools 
    -Knee Pads/Gardening Pads 
    -Enlarged Tool Handles/Gloves 
    -Automatic and Self-Adjusting Tools 
    -Automated Gates 
    -Automated Hitches 
    -Push Feed Carts 
    -Tractor Steering Wheel Knob/Enlarged Handles 
    -Suspension Seat/Seat Cushion/Adjustable Arm Rests in 
       Machinery 
    -Additional Mirrors on Tractors and other Large Equipment 
    -Man Lifts for Tractors 
    -Hand Controls 

 

  [AgrAbility Project, NIFA, USDA Special Project 2008-41590-04796]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At some point, an assistive device may be be needed to maneuver around the farm or to complete a task. Walking devices such as canes or hand rails, all-terrain vehicles, and modified pathways can make traveling around the farm less painful. Longer handles and padded grips can be added to tools. There are many specialized assistive devices that can be utilized depending on the severity of the arthritis and the types of jobs needed to be done.
more health tips
Arthritis affects approximately one-third of all adult farm and ranch operators and is considered one of the leading causes of disability by customers of the USDA AgrAbility Project. With the average age of the American farmer climbing above 57, increasingly more farmers will find tasks difficult to complete. Many agricultural workers do not know they may be at risk of developing arthritis.
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