Toning shoes feature an unstable sole surface, which creates a sensation similar to that of walking on soft sand. Manufacturers claim this “wobbly” surface forces the wearer to use muscles in the leg, buttocks and core that otherwise would not be used. A study released by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) show that the claim of toned muscles without the gym effort are simply not true. As more and more studies are released on the dangers of toning shoes, the reports of toning shoe related injuries has also increased. One such injury associated with the use of a toning shoe is a fracture of the leg. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, a leg fracture can cause potentially life-threatening complications. Fractures, or breaks (they are one in the same), in any of the three leg bones can also cause nerve damage, soft tissue damage and bone deformity.
Leg Fracture Overview
The femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone) and the fibula are the three bones that support and propel the leg. Fractures are usually caused by a single substantial impact to the bone (like one experienced in a fall) or are caused by overtraining or overuse. Leg fractures are described as either simple or compound fractures. In compound fractures, the bone has pierced through the skin and created an open wound. In simple fractures, the skin remains intact.
Types of femur fractures
There are three types of femur fractures: proximal, femoral and supracondylar. A proximal femur fracture involves the upper most portion of the thighbone, near the hip joint. Femoral shaft fractures occur anywhere on the thighbone between the hip and knee joints. Subracondylar femur fractures are very rare, and occur on the thighbone, just above the knee joint.
Types of tibia fractures
Tibia fractures are generally grouped into three different categories: tibial shaft fractures, tibial plateau fractures and tibial plafond fractures. Tibial shaft fractures are the most common type of tibia fracture and occur between the knee and ankle joints. Tibial plateau fractures take place just below the knee joint and tibial plafond fractures occur at the bottom of the shinbone, just above the ankle joint.
Fibula fractures
Fibula fractures, or lateral malleolus fractures as they are also called, are a break in the smaller bone of the lower leg. The fibula runs parallel to the tibia on the outer side of the tibia bone. A fibula fracture is usually associated with a break in the tibia or an ankle injury, but can be an isolated break.
Leg Fracture Treatment
Following a diagnosis, the most common types of leg fracture treatment include:
- Casting – placing the leg in a cast to stabilize and immobilize the fractured bone
- Insertion of intramedullary (IM) rod – placing a rod down the center of a broken bone to hold the alignment of the re-positioned bone
- Insertion of plates and screws – attaching plates and screws to the fractured bone in an effort to stabilize the bone
- External fixator – a method of stabilizing a broken bone in which pins or screws are inserted into the bone on both sides of the fracture. The pins and screws are held in place with an external frame outside of the skin.
It Costs Nothing to Call or Email a Toning Shoe Injury Attorney
It costs nothing to call or email a toning shoe leg fracture injury attorney at the law firm of Estey Bomberger. If you choose to email a consultation request form, one of our attorneys will respond shortly. Our dangerous product attorneys welcome your call or email and will gladly answer your legal questions. For an immediate connection, dial (800) 925-0723.