Did you know that each year over 25,000 Americans are injured while using their power mowers? The majority of these injuries occur to the lower extremities, hence our concern here at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center. It’s easy to get complacent when doing repetitive tasks and we’d like to offer the following safety tips and reminders when mowing your lawn:
- Never mow a lawn that is wet. The number one cause of foot injuries by power mowers is the loss of control of the mower on slippery, wet grass.
- Okay, you wouldn’t think we’d have to say this, but emergency room reports say otherwise: don’t mow your lawn wearing sandals, open-toed shoes or barefoot! Even sneakers do not provide much protection against blades whirling at 3,000 revolutions per minute. Work boots or other heavy shoes are your best bet.
- For lawns that slope, mow crosswise, not up and down.
- Do not take small children for “rides” on the lawn mower or let them sit on your lap when mowing. Many tragic accidents occur when a child tries to get on or off the machine and their feet can’t clear the blades.
- Pick up large sticks and any other debris in your yard before mowing to avoid projectile injuries from objects being kicked up by the mower.
- Don’t pull a running mower backward.
- Make sure you know where your children are when you are mowing and teach them not to try to come out and talk to you when mowing. The noise of the mower will prevent you from knowing they are approaching.
- Use a mower that has an automatic shut off when you release the handle.
Even if you sustain what appears to be a superficial wound from a lawnmower blade it’s essential that you stop and immediately clean the area, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. If you notice any heat or redness around the wound within a few days following the injury or you just are not sure it is healing properly, contact our Long Beach office to make an appointment by calling: (562) 420-9800. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas will examine your injured foot and prescribe any additional treatment needed.
