It’s the time of year for cleaning windows, decluttering closets, and getting organized. Whether you love it or simply get it done, spring cleaning is a reality for many. As you tackle your cleaning, it’s important to be aware of injuries that can happen and how to prevent them.

At Amory Urgent Care in Amory, Mississippi, we want you to be equipped with the knowledge you need to stay healthy in all your activities. We provide comprehensive care for a wide variety of non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

Understanding Sprains and Strains

Sprains or strains are common injuries that can be associated with spring cleaning. Let’s explore these.

What is a Strain?

A strain happens when a muscle or tendon (tissue that connects a muscle to a bone) becomes injured. Minor strains can involve excessive stretching of a tendon or muscle, whereas more severe strains can include tears in these tissues.

A common sports-related injury, strains can also happen while spring cleaning. Lifting heavy boxes, twisting, or vigorous work could cause strains on your muscles or tendons, especially those in your back or legs.

What is a Sprain?

A sprain may be more familiar for many people. In a sprain, the ligaments (tissue connecting bones to other bones at a joint) become injured. A sprained ankle is a common example.

You may not associate a sprain with spring cleaning, but it can happen. Stumbling over discarded items or clutter, slipping, or lifting heavy items could result in a sprain to your wrists or ankles.

Other Spring Cleaning Injuries

Sprains and strains are not the only injuries to watch out for when it comes to spring cleaning.

Tennis Elbow. Lifting heavy items or boxes can put extra strain on a tendon near your elbow, resulting in painful tendonitis.

Back Injuries. Repetitive bending or lifting—especially without proper lifting technique—can cause sore back muscles or injuries.

Rotator Cuff Injuries. Reaching for items, lifting boxes or other heavy items, or repetitive movements can result in rotator cuff injuries. Symptoms may include a dull ache in your shoulder, arm weakness, pain, and difficulty lifting your arm or performing other movements.

Preventing Spring Cleaning Injuries

Many injuries are preventable. Here are some tips to help promote spring cleaning safety:

Declutter First. Before cleaning, pick up any clutter that you could trip over.

Use a Mop. Scrubbing floors or a bathtub on your hands and knees can cause injuries like strains or sprains. Using a mop instead can help prevent injuries and may be easier on your back.

Lift Carefully. When you lift boxes or other heavy items, ask for help whenever possible (especially when moving furniture). When you lift something, keep your back straight, bend your legs, and keep the item close to you. Here’s the key–lift with your legs, not your back.

Be Careful on Ladders. If you need to use a step stool or a ladder while cleaning, ensure all four legs are on a firm surface. Ensure you can keep one hand on the ladder at all times. Keep the ladder close to where you are cleaning, avoid reaching away from the ladder, and don’t use the top steps or rungs.

Safety With Cleaning Chemicals

If you’re using cleaning products during your spring cleaning, following these guidelines could help prevent chemical exposure, burns, or other injuries.

Use Gloves. Wear rubber gloves or gloves made from a similar protective material while cleaning. Gloves that extend to your elbow may provide more skin protection.

Don’t Mix Chemicals. Mixing certain cleaning chemicals (like bleach and ammonia) can result in a dangerous chemical reaction, resulting in respiratory injury or chemical burns. Read labels carefully and never mix cleaning products.

Get Fresh Air. Never use cleaning products in a closed room. Open a window, and ideally, use a fan to clear away fumes. A mask may help to prevent irritation or allergic reactions while cleaning.

Urgent Care for Spring Cleaning Injuries

If you think you’ve suffered a sprain or strain while cleaning and are experiencing symptoms like pain, soreness, swelling, or difficulty moving a limb, you should seek help at urgent care. A provider can assess your injury and provide the treatment you need, including splints, casts, or medication.

If you’ve experienced a chemical burn, remove the affected clothing and run water over the site for at least 20 minutes. Cover the burn with clean gauze and seek help immediately at urgent care.

For chemical burns that extend through the skin, are larger than three inches, or affect the eyes, face, genital areas, or hands, seek help in an emergency room.

Amory Urgent Care Can Help

At Amory Urgent Care, our experienced providers can provide the exceptional care you need for a wide range of spring cleaning injuries. We offer extended hours, walk-in visits, and shorter wait times. Visit us today.