Is your allotment a pain in the backside?

1. Back and neck pain

Digging, lifting heavy bags of compost, or even bending over to weed for long periods can put enormous strain on your back and neck. Many allotment enthusiasts underestimate the cumulative effect of poor posture and repetitive bending, leading to muscle strains and even more serious spinal issues. Simple activities like lifting flowerpots (the second most dangerous item in the garden!) can result in acute pain or chronic discomfort if done incorrectly.

2. Repetitive strain injuries

Repetitive tasks such as weeding, digging, or pruning can cause repetitive strain injuries (RSI), particularly in the hands, wrists, and forearms. Symptoms like pain, stiffness, tingling, or numbness often develop gradually and worsen if ignored. We often see RSI cropping up more frequently in people over 45, and it’s not just bad luck! Here’s why:

– We Expect to Be 25 Forever: Many of us want to keep doing everything we’ve always done—gardening, DIY, or sports—without adjusting for changes in our fitness, weight, or flexibility. Our bodies, however, might have other ideas.

– Weekend Warrior Syndrome: After a week of sitting at a desk, it’s tempting to cram all the heavy lifting and digging into a single day on the allotment. That sudden burst of activity can be a shock to the system, and sometimes our tissues just aren’t ready for it.

– Ageing Tissues Need TLC: As we get older, our tendons and muscles naturally become a little less springy and resilient. They don’t always tolerate heavy loads or repetitive tasks as well as they used to.

3. Shoulder injuries

Shoulder pain can really put a damper on your time in the garden. As the most mobile joint in your body, the shoulder is involved in nearly every task—from reaching up to prune those stubborn branches, to digging, lifting, and raking. Unfortunately, this flexibility also makes it one of the most vulnerable joints, especially when it comes to repetitive or overhead activities so common in gardening.

It’s not unusual for keen gardeners to develop issues like rotator cuff strains or impingement syndromes rotator cuff strains or impingement syndromes. These overuse injuries often creep up after repeated use of tools such as secateurs, spades, or rakes, particularly if you’re working for long stretches without breaks or using poor technique. Over-exertion and awkward postures can make things worse, turning a minor niggle into a persistent ache that affects your day-to-day life.

The good news? Early assessment and the right treatment can make a world of difference. If you’re noticing shoulder pain that isn’t settling, don’t ignore it—getting on top of it early can help prevent those niggles turning into long-term problems that keep you away from the allotment.

4. Hip and knee arthritis

Gardening is a wonderful way to stay active, especially as we get older. However, repeated kneeling, squatting, and standing on uneven ground can aggravate existing arthritis in the hips and knees
or contribute to joint wear and tear over time. Older gardeners are also at higher risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries such as hip fractures.

The uneven terrain of many allotments, combined with wet or slippery conditions, increases the risk of slips and trips. These accidents can exacerbate joint problems or cause new injuries that require lengthy recovery.

But don’t let arthritis keep you from your allotment! With a little planning – using raised beds, garden stools, or long-handled tools—you can reduce strain on your hips and knees and keep enjoying your time among the vegetables!

5. Sprains, strains and fractures

Trips, slips, and falls are among the leading causes of more serious injuries on the allotment. Sprained ankles, strained muscles, and even fractures can result from missteps on uneven paths, stepping on hidden tools, or falling from ladders or raised beds. These injuries can be painful and debilitating, sometimes requiring medical intervention and long periods away from your beloved plot.

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