Injuries

[Nathan]

Anyone deal with or have to work through injuries while in BCT?

While training, I have acquired something called ITBS in my left knee. ITBS makes running difficult and slightly painful, but I'm actually able to do everything else, including squats, lunges, etc.

[Phantom]

Everybody works through some form of injury at BCT. It can be physical or mental. The physical just .. how can I put this... Dont miss training but use your head... You will understand what I am saying when you get there. If your training for BCT. Rest that body part and follow medical advice. Dont risk more damage that can hurt you in the long run. Taking a week off wont hurt you as bad and making a injury worse. Also when you come back from injury, you wont be at full speed so work your way up. There is a difference in being hurt and being injured. Just use your head and listen to your body. If under doctor care, follow the instructions, if you cater around the docs orders, be smart about it. Just because something feels better doesnt mean its completely healed. I had my wrist rebuilt last year, I dont have pain and the strength is there, but I am still learning to do simple exercises and movements. I can do the excercises but if I cheat and use bad form I risk injury and going back to square one, isnt a option.

[Nathan]

I purchased new running shoes and stopped running completely. I'm rehabilitating it by stretching more and working on light strengthening exercises.

Before this happened, I probably could have gotten a 13:00 minute 2-mile, but now I'm worried I won't even get a 14:00.

[SteveLord]

Getting sick or hurt is the worst thing to happen to you at bootcamp. You don't want to miss training, but you also don't want to screw over your health.

[QuantumRN]

Does MEPS know about this condition and if not, what will you disclose to them when you ship?

I hate to sound so b!tchy, but I feel that I am a steward of government funds, and if soldiers are deceiving the goverment by not disclosing injuries, and then exacerbating them while on duty/training, that LOD may eventually turn into a monthy check for them that comes right out of our (the taxpayers) pockets.


My advice: Recover FULLY, and then go to BCT. If you get new injuries there, then those are valid BCT related injuries, and therefore not deceitful. :)

[Nathan]

No. This occured last week and doesn't warrant disclosure. If you research the issue, it's mainly caused by wearing bad shoes and overexerting yourself by increasing mileage too quickly. Apparently, it's fairly common in runners.

If you knew me, you'd know that I'm not the type of person who takes hand outs and exaggerates or welcomes an injury in order to procure medical attention. I hate doctors and I hate hospitals. If I have to, I'll grit my teeth and get through this without anyone knowing...and that's the way it'll stay.

I still don't have a BCT date, so I should be good to go when that time rolls around.

Other than that, I've lost 5lbs and am down to 150.

[cougar54]

I purchased new running shoes and stopped running completely. I'm rehabilitating it by stretching more and working on light strengthening exercises.

Before this happened, I probably could have gotten a 13:00 minute 2-mile, but now I'm worried I won't even get a 14:00.

Trust me, I ran a 14 min 2 mile and beat 60% of my BCT Company and I am 32... you will be fine. But just an FYI (in my case anyway) guys were dropping their times by minutes - mine dropped by seconds - don't worry about it it just means your in shape!

[Nathan]

I'm more worried about running than the time I get. I simply don't understand this injury. I'm not entirely certain what I need to do to prevent it from happening. I think I'll go see a physical therapist.

It's really weird. Today I did squats and lunges at the gym. No pain. Tuesday I rode the bike for 15min. No pain.

[QuantumRN]

No. This occured last week and doesn't warrant disclosure.

I hate to tell you this but once you're in, it's your duty as a soldier to disclose any injuries you may have so that the military doesn't exacerbate it and end up buying it. When you ship to BCT, MEPS will ask you if there has been any changes. All I am saying is don't ship until you are fully recovered. If you don't disclose, and ship anyway, and get hurt... It becomes a line of duty.

This is true even for old timers going to drill, if you have an injury, you need to disclose it to your COC so that a temp profile can be processed.

As for your training, I would ease up and let your knee recover fully. Knees and backs are the top 2 profiles/medical discharges in my state. I wouldn't fool around with either.

[Nathan]

I plan on waiting until I am fully recovered. Thank you for your concern.

[tomdell13]

I've had some IT Band issues and I found using one of those roller pads on the outside of my thigh has helped. The roller pad helps stretch the IT band.

That worked for me, but your mileage may vary...