Gardening is a relaxing pastime that seems suitable for everyone. In reality, many gardeners often harvest injuries along with their crops because they forget how physically demanding working in a garden can be.

"The back, legs, shoulders, elbows and wrists are all major muscle groups affected when using your green thumb," said Dr. Thomas Muzzonigro, orthopedic surgeon with Tri Rivers Surgical Associates.

"Even a small plot requires digging, bending raking, reaching, lifting and carrying - activities that use muscles that may have hibernated over the winter. These repetitive motions could lead to injuries, like sprains or strains, or aggravate existing conditions, such as arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis. Fortunately, most gardening injuries can be avoided," said Muzzonigro.

According to Muzzonigro, don't work until you wilt. Just as your beans won't sprout overnight, don't push yourself to complete all your gardening tasks in one afternoon. Spread the work out over a couple of days. Start off slowly and take frequent breaks.

Plant yourself properly. Use correct form and posture while gardening. Avoid bending your back or twisting at the waist. Bend at the knees when lifting objects, pulling weeds or planting. Stretch your limbs frequently to prevent muscle strain.

If a day in the garden turns into an evening of aches and pain, rest, use icepacks on your sore muscles and use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling. If symptoms persist, contact your physician.