Thousands of farmers and ranchers with arthritis remain gainfully employed in agriculture, says Karen Funkenbusch, director of the Missouri AgrAbility Project (AgrAbility.missouri.edu), which assists farmers and ranchers with disabilities to help them continue working.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that roughly a quarter to a half million U.S. adults of working age say arthritis affects their work, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural systems management specialist Willard Downs.
There are reliable, practical solutions to reduce stress, pain and fatigue.
Downs and Funkenbusch offer the following tips for farmers and ranchers with arthritis:
nModify tools and equipment. Use wheels to reduce friction and avoid lifting and carrying. Work with extended handles so you use less force and energy to move objects. Use lightweight objects to reduce joint stress, pain and fatigue.
nLearn body mechanics to use your body more efficiently. Spread the weight of objects you are carrying, pushing or pulling. Don’t tightly grasp objects. Hold objects close to your body to reduce the load. Use your whole body—not just your arms—and use your legs instead of your back.
nAvoid the same position for prolonged periods. Alternate between sitting and standing. Stretch frequently. When sitting, change the position of your legs so that your knees are periodically stretched.
nUse good posture. Stand so that ears are directly over shoulders, shoulders line up with hips, stomach muscles contract lightly and knees stay straight but unlocked. Place feet shoulder-width apart and evenly distribute weight on feet.
For more information from the Missouri AgrAbility Project that can help ranchers and farmers prevent and cope with arthritis, go to http://agrability.missouri.edu/Resources/Medical/AAY.asp.