Halloween scares should be spooky, not painful

Orthopaedic surgeons share simple tips to prevent falls, pumpkin-carving injuries and other Halloween mishaps

ROSEMONT, Ill., Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Halloween should be memorable for the costumes and candy, not a trip to the emergency department. A costume that's hard to see through, shoes that are easy to trip in or a carving tool that slips can turn the fun into an injury in seconds. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is encouraging families to take a few simple precautions before carving pumpkins and heading out to trick-or-treat.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 3,200 Halloween-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments annually from 2020 to 2023, with 55% related to pumpkin carving.¹

"A pumpkin-carving cut can be more serious than it looks. Even a small wound can damage the tendons, nerves or blood vessels beneath the skin and affect movement or sensation in the hand," said Erica Taylor, MD, MBA, FAAOS, an orthopaedic hand surgeon. "If a cut causes numbness, tingling or difficulty moving a finger, it should be evaluated promptly."

Before Halloween festivities begin, AAOS recommends:

• Choose costumes that fit. Hem or trim costumes that drag on the ground. Avoid top-heavy designs that can affect balance, and select sturdy, comfortable, slip-resistant shoes instead of high heels, flip-flops or clogs.
• Help children see and be seen. Choose bright colors or add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags. Avoid masks and hats that block vision, and carry flashlights after dark.
• Leave carving to adults. Young children can draw a design or decorate pumpkins with paint and markers. Adults should work in a clean, dry, well-lit area and only use tools designed for pumpkin carving.
• Use a safer light. Place glow sticks or artificial pumpkin lights inside jack-o'-lanterns instead of candles.
• Walk the route. Walk instead of running, stay on sidewalks, cross at designated crosswalks and approach only well-lit homes. Adults should accompany children younger than 12; older children should travel together and follow a planned route and return time.

If a carving cut occurs, apply pressure with a clean cloth and raise the injured area above the heart. Seek medical care if the cut is deep or bleeding does not stop within 10 to 15 minutes. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water and cover it with a clean bandage.

For more guidance, visit Halloween Safety Tips on OrthoInfo.org, the AAOS patient education website. Download the AAOS 5 Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips infographic.

About AAOS

With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world's largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest-quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level best treat patients in their daily practices. AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments and related musculoskeletal health care issues; and it leads the health care discussion on advancing quality.

Follow the AAOS on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

¹ https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2023/CPSC-Offers-Safety-Tips-to-Keep-Hazards-from-Haunting-Your-Halloween

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SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons