How to Avoid Getting Hurt When Raking Leaves

CLEVELAND - Fall means cooler temperatures, colorful leaves and plenty of yard work.

But before you start raking, keep in mind the seasonal chore can take a toll on your body.

“Raking leaves is a full-body activity, so we see a lot of muscle strains and overuse injuries. Lower back injuries account for about a quarter of the raking-related injuries we see, but shoulder and arm injuries are also possible,” explained Marianne Sumego, MD, a primary care physician with Cleveland Clinic.

To avoid getting hurt, Dr. Sumego said to choose a day when the leaves are dry, and the weather is mild.

When raking, keep your back straight, bend your knees and avoid twisting your body.

Dr. Sumego recommends breaking up the yard work rather than tackling it all at once.

It's also important to stay hydrated even though the weather may be cooler.

If you decide to use a leaf blower to get the job done, there are a few other safety concerns to keep in mind.

"Leaf blowers can be heavy and may cause people to lean or use poor posture. Be mindful of how much you're doing and pace yourself,” Dr. Sumego said. “Leaf blowers can also send debris flying and expose you to high noise levels, so wear proper eye and hearing protection as well."

When moving bags of leaves after you're done raking, Dr. Sumego said to lift with your legs, not your back.

And consider using a wheelbarrow to make the job easier.