From Garden to Golf Course: Protecting Your Hands & Wrists This Spring

As the days grow longer and spring finally returns, many of us are eager to get outside and tackle long-awaited projects, yard work, and outdoor sports. But along with this seasonal energy boost comes a surprising uptick in hand and wrist injuries—some of which can sneak up on you, and others that can stop you in your tracks.

Orthopedic ONE hand and wrist specialist, Dr. Marlo Van Steyn, notes that certain conditions and injuries spike as patients transition out of winter hibernation and dive into spring activities. Whether you’re pulling weeds, picking up a pickleball paddle, or firing up the lawnmower, it’s important to know what risks are out there—and how to avoid them. This month, we’re sharing ways to enjoy your favorite spring pastimes without putting your body at risk.

The Common Culprits

Fortunately, most hand and wrist issues that crop up in the spring are typically minor and treatable. However, that doesn’t mean they should be ignored.

Thumb Arthritis Flare-Ups

The thumb’s basal joint—located at the base of your thumb—is one of the most commonly affected areas in springtime. This joint plays a crucial role in gripping and pinching, which are the motions we use when gardening, weeding, or pruning. Overdoing those repetitive movements without warming up or using the right tools can cause significant discomfort for those with arthritis or early signs of joint degeneration.

If you’re feeling stiffness or pain at the base of your thumb, don’t ignore it. Dr. Van Steyn says that “the best first step is to listen to your body and back off. When you’re having discomfort in a joint, particularly the thumb joint, it’s not good to push through it.” Instead, try modifying your activities and making ergonomic adjustments to address the pain.

“One of the first things I typically recommend is putting the thumb in a supportive brace,” notes Dr. Van Steyn—a soft brace during the day for support and a more rigid one at night to help rest the joint while you sleep. Ergonomic changes can also be supportive. Swapping out narrow-handed tools for ones with larger grips can also reduce joint stress. And instead of hand-weeding, grab a tool designed to do the job for you—your thumbs will thank you!

Wrist Overuse from Sports

Pickleball, tennis, golf: these springtime favorites are great for socializing and staying fit, but they can wreak havoc on your wrists if you jump in too fast. “Our wrist joint is mobile and very complicated. With these repetitive overuse motions, we sometimes start to see the onset of overuse wrist pain,” says Dr. Van Steyn.

To reduce your risk, warm up your hands and wrists with gentle range-of-motion movements before hitting the court or course. If you notice wrist discomfort, don’t ignore it. Give your body time to recover, and consider getting in touch with one of our specialists for targeted support and care.

Carpal Tunnel Flare-Ups from Tools

Power washers, mowers, and other vibrational tools can exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition where pressure on the median nerve causes numbness, tingling, and even weakness in the hand. Many people notice symptoms worsening during or after yard work, and often at night.

Wearing wrist braces, taking breaks, and switching to ergonomically designed tools can help reduce the strain. If symptoms persist, talk to a hand and wrist specialist about additional treatment options.

The Rare (But Serious) Injuries

While overuse issues are the most common springtime concerns, Dr. Van Steyn notes that this season also brings an unfortunate share of more severe (and preventable) hand and wrist injuries.

Preventable Accidents

“You always have to be aware when you’re working with power tools like lawnmowers and power washers,” says Dr. Van Steyn. Lawnmowers may seem straightforward, but they’re a leading source of devastating hand injuries in the spring. From attempting to clear clogs with bare hands to losing awareness around spinning blades, these accidents can be life-altering. Power washers can also be dangerous: people have seriously injured their hands by placing their fingers in the high-pressure stream.

Falls from ladders are another culprit. Whether you’re cleaning gutters or trimming trees, being in a rush or working alone can quickly turn a routine task into an emergency. Always use caution, take your time, and have someone spot you when using a ladder or handling power tools.

Treatment, Therapy, and Prevention

When it comes to joint pain—especially in the thumb—it’s important to distinguish between general discomfort and actual injury. Pushing through sore muscles can be okay, but pushing through joint pain usually makes things worse.

Treatment often begins with simple interventions: bracing, activity modification, and using tools with wider grips. Avoid reaching for grip training tools when seeking pain relief, as these often exacerbate the problem. Heat therapy can be an effective treatment for joint pain, as it encourages blood flow and reduces stiffness.

While stretching the thumb itself isn’t typically a go-to strategy, gentle palm-opening and closing exercises can be beneficial. “Working a little bit every day is good for all of us,” says Dr. Van Steyn. Keeping your hands and wrists active on a daily basis can help to protect your joints down the line.

When you spot the first signs of an overuse injury, listen to your body! Rest, use over-the-counter medications if appropriate, and allow yourself time to heal. If symptoms persist after 2-3 weeks of rest, it may be time to visit our specialists for personalized care.

Who’s at Risk?

While seniors are especially vulnerable to falls and fractures, younger adults are increasingly dealing with repetitive strain injuries from sports and home projects. If you’re over 20 and active, you’re at risk—which makes prevention that much more important!

Why Choose Orthopedic ONE?

At Orthopedic ONE, we take pride in offering comprehensive, compassionate care. Our team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons and highly specialized certified hand therapists who work together to provide a full spectrum of non-surgical and surgical treatments. No matter the severity of your symptoms, our hand and upper extremity specialists care about getting you back to doing what you love—safely and pain-free.

If there’s one thing Dr. Van Steyn wants patients to remember, it’s this: “Don’t let fear of injury keep you from staying active. Warm up, use the right tools, listen to your body, and ask for help when needed.” With the right approach, you can enjoy springtime activities without sidelining yourself with preventable hand and wrist injuries.