Is Your Summer Yard Work Wrecking Your Joints?

There’s something satisfying about a freshly trimmed lawn or a well-kept garden. But sometimes, all that yard work can leave you with aching hips or knees. Summer chores often involve repetitive motions and awkward positions that are hard on your body.

Dr. Alexander S. McLawhorn, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and joint reconstruction specialist, sees it every year. For adults who are already managing arthritis or stiffness, these seasonal routines can cause painful flare-ups or overuse injuries. Dr. McLawhorn cares for patients in both New York City and Stamford, Connecticut, and he can help you watch out for your joints this summer.

How Summer Yard Work Strains Your Joints

Tasks like weeding, planting, lifting bags of soil, or dragging heavy tools involve a lot of bending and twisting. Add in the heat and the temptation to power through a long to-do list, and it’s easy to push your body past its limits.

You might brush off soreness as normal, but certain signs suggest something more: swelling, stiffness, and pain that lingers. These symptoms could mean you’re putting your joints under more stress than they can handle.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Joints

A few simple adjustments in your yardwork routine can go a long way in keeping your joints injury-free:

• Break up big tasks so you’re not working too long at once
• Change what you’re doing every 20–30 minutes to give your joints a break
• Use a cushion or stool if you’ll be kneeling
• Pick tools with long handles so you don’t have to bend as much
• Wear sturdy shoes with good support
• Do a few easy stretches before you start
• Drink plenty of water, especially if it’s hot out
• Pay attention to any pain: if something hurts, stop and take a break

After you’ve finished your yard work, be sure to stretch again and apply an ice pack to sore joints for 15 to 20 minutes. Elevating your legs or taking a warm shower later in the day can also ease muscle tension. 

Expert Joint Care in NYC and Stamford

If joint pain sticks around for more than a day or two or gets worse over time, it’s a good idea to get it checked. Not every joint issue requires surgery, but it’s important to catch any problems early on.

Dr. McLawhorn helps adults stay active and mobile, even when joint pain tries to get in the way. 

Call 212-606-1065 in New York or 203-705-2113 in Stamford to schedule a consultation.