Orthopaedic Surgeons Offer Practical Tips For Avoiding Spring-Cleaning Injuries

April 30, 2003

ROSEMONT, Ill. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) -- Spring is upon us and for many, that means an endless list of chores. Cleaning, fix-it-up projects, painting, yard work, working in the garden, and planting are just a few things on your to-do list. While many look forward to working in the garden and around the house, thousands of injuries occur each year as a result of mishaps around the home. A number of activities can be dangerous or even deadly if the proper precautions are not taken.

"Helping people avoid needless injury is a number one priority of orthopaedic surgeons," said James Herndon, MD, president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Preventing injuries is an important step toward protecting yourself and your family from these all too common occurrences, now and in the future."

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends the following guidelines for your spring-cleaning projects:

It is important to warm-up and stretch before beginning activities such as gardening or clean-up projects around the home.
Proper techniques for lifting, carrying and bending should be part of any spring-cleaning project. There is a right and a wrong way to lift. It is important to separate your feet, shoulder-width apart and bend at the knees while tightening the stomach muscles. Lift with your leg muscles as you stand up, and don't try to lift any object by yourself if it is too heavy or an awkward shape.
When raking, don't twist your body-instead, use your legs to shift your weight and switch sides. Instead of getting on your hands and knees to clean the floor, use a mop. When you are vacuuming, push the vacuum in front of you and walk in a long line, then pull back the same way. Pushing and pulling a vacuum in short strokes can hurt your back.
Many spring-cleaning chores such as cleaning gutters and trimming trees involve the use of a ladder. Knowing how to properly set up and use a ladder is an important first step in reducing the chance of a fall or other ladder-related accident. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers extensive guidelines for the proper use of the ladder on the web site, www.aaos.org or http://orthoinfo.aaos.org.
Serious traumatic injuries can be caused by improper use of lawn mowers and gardening tools. These tools can be dangerous if not used properly or kept in good repair. Every spring before using a lawnmower, have it serviced to make sure it is working properly. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers safety tips for proper use of lawn mowers and gardening tools on the web site, www.aaos.org or http://orthoinfo.aaos.org.
Many of the chemicals used in the garden or in cleaning are considered dangerous and may cause serious health problems if not used properly. Read product labels for proper use and wear protective clothing and gloves when using chemicals. Store all household and garden chemicals properly.

Internet users can find household, recreational, and injury prevention information, and more, in the Prevent Injuries America! section of the Academy's web site, www.aaos.org, may call the Academy's Public Service line at 800-824-BONES, or send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to "Spring Cleaning," P. O. Box 1998, Des Plaines, IL 60017.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.