HEELYS MAY BE ACHILLES HEEL FOR SOME

HEELYS MAY BE ACHILLES HEEL FOR SOME

OLYMPIA, Wash. (Wireless Flash) – Scooters are out and Heelys are in, but the new foot fad may be a bit of a stretch for some people. Heelys are a cross between sneakers and inline skates and have a wheel built into the heel of each shoe. The wearer of the Heelys lifts up his toes and coasts along on the heel of the shoe, reaching speeds up to 32 mph. However, Washington-based podiatrist Don Hovancsek says beginners may be prone to injury because the action requires use of the achilles tendon. Dr. Hovancseck says many people suffer from weak achilles tendons and 65 percent of injuries he sees are because of the problem. The inventor of Heelys, Roger Adams, says he consulted chiropractors and podiatrists and claims most experts believe Heelys are safe, but he admits first-time users will feel new muscles being used.

Tue 05-01-01