A surprisingly common kitchen injury, often called “avocado hand,” sends thousands of people to emergency rooms each year. It happens when individuals accidentally cut themselves while trying to remove the pit from an avocado — a mishap that turns a healthy snack into a painful accident.

According to ER physician Dr. Joe Whittington, nearly 9,000 Americans require emergency treatment for avocado-related hand injuries annually. The problem has become so widespread that doctors have coined the term “avocado hand” to describe it.

Dr. Whittington explains that most injuries occur when people hold the avocado in one hand and strike the pit with a sharp knife using excessive force. If the blade slips, it can easily pierce deep into the palm or fingers.