Gardening is a great way to spend time outdoors while also working the soil to reap benefits of fresh flowers and produce. Although gardening is not a high impact sport or dangerous activity according to many, garden-related injuries are actually quite common. These injuries typically occur in the spring or the beginning of summer when those first few sunny days inspire energetic and eager yard workers to begin weeding, pruning and digging after many cold months sitting inside. Taking care to prevent foot problems and other injuries can keep you going strong in your garden or yard all summer long.

Lawnmower accidents top the list for the most common injury in the yard, and affect about 70,000 people annually. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission statistics estimates that 800 children are run over by riding mowers or small tractors, 75 people are killed and 20,000 injured, with one in five deaths involving a child. It can’t be emphasized enough: be careful, be careful, be careful!

Believe it or not, stubbing a toe on a garden ornament can lead to not only excruciating pain, but also fractures or ligament damage. Swelling and pain in the toe can prevent even the most stubborn from walking comfortably for weeks, so it is best to treat the injury aggressively from the beginning with frequent icing, 20 minutes on  and 20 minutes off for the first three days. The use of a wide-toe shoe is helpful to avoid painful compression of the toe, and sometimes crutches are needed for the first week or so.

Soil contaminates consisting of bacteria or other sources of infection, can enter the sin through a small scrape or cut. Sporotrichosis, also known as “Rose gardener’s disease” is caused by a fungus and is spread by roses.  It usually manifests as a skin infection, but can also affect the lungs, joints, bones and even the brain. The skin lesions appear as bumps and if left untreated become larger and look similar to a boil. Also, although it is widely known that dirty cuts can lead to tetanus, be sure your vaccine and booster shot are up to date if you plan to spend much time outdoors this summer!