Don’t Let Your Lawn Become a “Toe-Away” Zone: Power Mower Safety Tips to Save Your Feet

As the weather warms up and lawns begin to grow like crazy, it's tempting to rush out with your mower and get the job done quickly—maybe even barefoot on a sunny day. But before you kick off your shoes and fire up that mower, think twice: your lawn could become a “toe-away” zone if you're not careful.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 37,000 Americans are injured by power mowers every year—many of them suffering serious foot and ankle injuries that could have been easily prevented.

“We still see too many foot injuries from power lawnmowers,” says Dr. Gina Mendoza, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon at Mendoza Podiatry. “The blades whirl at 3,000 revolutions per minute and produce three times the kinetic energy of a .357 handgun. Yet we still see patients who have been hurt while operating a mower barefoot!”

Dr. Mendoza has treated everything from infection-prone lacerations to severed tendons and even amputated toes due to mower accidents. “People often underestimate just how dangerous a rotary-blade mower can be. A simple misstep can lead to a devastating injury.”

What to Do If You’re Injured

If an accident does occur—even if it seems minor—Dr. Mendoza stresses the importance of seeking immediate medical attention. “Even superficial wounds need to be flushed thoroughly and treated with antibiotics to avoid infection,” she says. “More serious injuries may require surgery to repair tendon damage, deep clean the wound, and suture it properly.”

While most tendons can be reattached surgically, toes that have been amputated may not be salvageable. Prompt action can make all the difference in recovery.

Who’s at Risk?

Dr. Mendoza notes that children under 14 and adults over 44 are most likely to suffer mower-related injuries. Kids, in particular, should never be allowed near a running mower, even as passengers on riding mowers. “Children often don’t realize the danger and can dart into harm’s way in an instant,” she warns.

Mower Safety 101

To protect yourself and others from mower-related injuries, Dr. Mendoza offers the following mower safety tips:

• Don’t mow a wet lawn. Slipping on rain-soaked grass is the leading cause of foot injuries.

• Wear heavy shoes or work boots. Sneakers, sandals, or bare feet offer no protection from spinning blades.

• Mow slowly across slopes, never up and down, to avoid tipping.

• Never pull a running mower backward. You may lose your footing and pull the mower over your feet.

• Keep the clip bag attached. This helps prevent rocks or other debris from becoming dangerous projectiles.

• Use a mower with an automatic shut-off. A release mechanism on the handle that stops the blades when you let go can prevent injury in a fall.

• Keep kids indoors while mowing. Even if they’re just playing nearby, accidents can happen fast.

• Treat any injury right away. Don't wait for a minor cut to become a serious infection.
  

Trust the Experts

If you've suffered any kind of foot or ankle injury from a lawnmower—or want to get back on your feet after surgery—Mendoza Podiatry is here to help. With specialized care and a compassionate approach, Dr. Mendoza and her team are committed to helping you heal safely and fully. Call 615.826.0941 to schedule an appointment.