Doctors Alarmed About Wheeled Sneaker Injuries
Doctors say the worldwide craze for wheeled sneakers is leading to a rash of injuries among children, including cracked skulls, dislocated elbows, and broken arms, wrists and ankles, the Associated Press reported.
The sneakers have wheels in their heels that enable wearers to roll through malls, playgrounds and on sidewalks.
But doctors warn that that too many children are being hurt while using the sneakers. For example, an Irish study in the journal Pediatrics said during a 10-week period last summer, 67 children were injured while using shoes with built-in or strap-on wheels, the AP reported.
A spokesman for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said from September 2005 to December 2006, the agency received reports of one death and at least 64 injuries related to wheeled sneakers.
This week, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons plans to release safety guidelines that recommend the use of helmets, knee, and elbow pads, and wrist protectors for children who wear wheeled shoes, the AP reported.
The most popular brand of wheeled shoes are made by Texas-based Heelys, Inc. In April, the company said it commissioned a study that found that wheeled shoes are safer than inline skating, skateboarding, and even swimming.
The company said that its shoes are sold with safety information, including a recommendation to wear protective equipment, the AP reported.
I hope your leg gets better!
I've seen this happen many times before. They aren't that safe.
? Remind me why these shoes are a good idea again? Anyway, I absolutely can't stand those shoes cause i always get run over by little kids wearing them... 
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