Spring is upon us, and for many in Starkville, that means digging into garden beds, planting new blooms, and cleaning up the yard. Gardening can be a great way to relax, get moving, and beautify your space, but it also comes with a few risks.
At State Urgent Care, we see a spike in minor injuries related to yard work and gardening each spring. Whether it’s a slip on wet grass, a thorny poke, or a strained back from too much lifting, we’re here to help when your green thumb turns into a not-so-lucky one.
Continue reading to learn more about spring gardening injuries and how we can help.
Common Spring Yard Work Injuries
Gardening might not seem dangerous, but it can lead to various injuries.
Some of the most common gardening accidents we treat include:
- Muscle Strains and Sprains: Lifting heavy bags of soil or spending hours bent over can take a toll on your back, shoulders, and knees.
- Cuts and Scrapes: Sharp tools, thorny plants, and jagged branches are all common culprits of skin injuries.
- Insect Bites or Stings: Bees, wasps, ants, and spiders are more active in the spring and can cause allergic reactions or painful welts.
- Sunburn and Heat Exhaustion: Even mild spring days can cause sunburn or dehydration if you’re not protected.
- Eye Injuries: Flying debris from weed whackers or clippings from trimmers can lead to eye irritation or more serious damage.
- Allergic Reactions: Pollen and certain plants can trigger allergies or rashes, especially poison ivy or oak.
When to Visit State Urgent Care for a Gardening Injury
While some bumps and bruises can be treated at home, certain signs mean it’s time to head to State Urgent Care.
Visit us if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening pain in a joint or muscle.
- Deep cuts that may require stitches.
- Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
- A possible sprain or fracture.
- Allergic reactions such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, confusion, or fainting.
Our experienced team offers fast, walk-in care services seven days a week, with shorter wait times and expert providers who can assess and treat your symptoms quickly.
How to Prevent Yard Work Accidents
You don’t have to hang up your gardening gloves to stay safe. Here are some easy ways to enjoy yard work without injury:
- Warm up first: Stretch your back, arms, and legs before starting.
- Use proper tools: Sharp, clean tools reduce the risk of accidents.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
- Choose protection gear before you head outside: Wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks often, especially in the sun.
- Apply sunscreen and wear a hat, even on cloudy days.
Don’t Let a Gardening Injury Ruin Your Spring
Gardening should be a source of joy, not pain. If a spring gardening injury sidelines you, don’t wait it out.
Visit State Urgent Care in Starkville for prompt treatment so you can get back to doing what you love, pain-free.
Call us at (662) 338-4826 or walk in today. We’re open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., to provide you and your loved ones with high-quality urgent care.