According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine’s most recent statistics, on average, nearly 85,000 injuries occur each year from mowing the lawn. As grass greens up in Middlesex County, we at Feet First Foot Care Specialists want to offer the following do’s and don’ts to protect your feet (and the rest of your body) while taking care of this common chore.

Do: Start the season by checking your mower is in good working order. Get serviced professionally if necessary. Avoid removing any parts or making modifications to the mower.

Don’t: Mow the lawn in flip-flops or barefoot. Your best footwear choice is a work boot or other heavy shoe. Even sneakers are no match for the sharp blades of a power mower.

Don’t: Cut the grass when it’s wet. Losing control of a mower on a wet, slippery lawn is the number one cause of mower injuries to the feet.

Do: Clear the lawn of debris. Sticks, rocks, and children’s toys all have the danger of shooting out at high speeds from a power mower and pose a risk of injury to bystanders.

Do: Make clear and firm rules for children to follow when you are mowing. These should include never approaching you while the mower is running. It’s best if children stay inside until you’ve finished the lawn mowing. Instruct your children not to touch the lawnmower, even when it’s not on. Mowers remain hot for a long time once turned off, and the blades are sharp whether the mower is running or not.

Don’t: Give children rides on the lawnmower. Thousands of children are treated in the emergency room each year due to foot injuries climbing on or off a riding mower.

Do: Treat any injury from a mower promptly. Blades are dirty, and even a minor cut can quickly become infected. If you have concerns about a foot injury you received while mowing, contact our Cromwell office call 860-632-5499 for an evaluation by our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas.

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We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416