ankle and SFAS

kenny · 05-15-2006, 11:10

I had a bad achilles tendon injury a while back, and i was just wondering if it is a common injury during SFAS. If it is, what would you SF guys who have BTDT say is the best way to take care of it while at SFAS? (tighter boots, etc...)

Warrior-Mentor · 05-15-2006, 12:09

Not sure how common it is, but when I had the start of a problem (Achilles rub) at SFAS, one of my fellow candidates showed me how to skip lace (Get Selecetd page 7-7) and it helped relieve the problem.

kenny · 05-15-2006, 12:17

Thank you Sir, im gonna have to look into that.

**Eagle5US** · 05-15-2006, 17:42

How is this related to an Ankle???

There are many different "Achilles Tendon" injuries...from simple rub to complete rupture.

More information would certainly be needed to answer your question appropriately.

Eagle

kenny · 05-15-2006, 18:04

I had tears in my achilles tendon about 2 inches above the heel and it took 10 months to heal. The reason it took so long to heal was because i dont like sitting around and when I thought it was alright i would run, that just hurt me more. It feels alright now, I was just thinking about the heavy load my ankle will take during SFAS and the best way to take care of it while im there under the ruck. Sorry for the limited information before.

**Jack Moroney (RIP)** · 05-15-2006, 19:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenny

IThe reason it took so long to heal was because i dont like sitting around and when I thought it was alright i would run, that just hurt me more. .

Well, yeah!!! Look I fully understand the frustration with inactivity and I, along with many others here, are poster children for pushing themselves beyond limits that would be unacceptable under normal circumstances but their circumstances were anything but normal and were driven by mission requirements. You on the other hand have no excuse for not following instructions provided by competent medical personnel unless of course you were running to save your hide or someone else's. That sense of immortality you feel is a myth and unless you adapt a more mature attitude and start exhibiting common sense, should you make it through selection and assessment, you are likely to be a liability for those who are going to have to carry your weight when you are incapable of meeting the demands of the profession. I would highly recommend that before you waste your time and that of the SF community that you are asking to evaluate your potential as a future SF soldier that you get that old injury evaluated to make sure that you are capable of giving your all. You obviously are already second guessing whether or not you are ready and that will only lead to hesitation and short cuts to avoid stressing what you already think is a problem.

kenny · 05-15-2006, 20:10

Well Sir you are right I should have listened to my doctor. I have been running again for 8 months now and I feel good. I can run more now than when I hurt it before, and I also add a ruck march in once a week. I was just thinking that while in SFAS if i did have a problem (which I dont think I will) what is the best way to keep the ankle supported. I have been cleared by MEPS and my MRI results are good. I waited a good 5 months after I hurt my ankle the 3rd time, and then I picked up the mileage slowly after that. I hurt my ankle in a deep sand run where I didnt stretch my calves, and I learned my lesson from that also. Stretching is extremely important. It was probably just a dumb question, I was just curious sorry for wasting your time.

MtnGoat · 05-15-2006, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenny

Well Sir you are right I should have listened to my doctor. I have been running again for 8 months now and I feel good. I can run more now than when I hurt it before, and I also add a ruck march in once a week. I was just thinking that while in SFAS if i did have a problem (which I dont think I will) what is the best way to keep the ankle supported. I have been cleared by MEPS and my MRI results are good. I waited a good 5 months after I hurt my ankle the 3rd time, and then I picked up the mileage slowly after that. I hurt my ankle in a deep sand run where I didnt stretch my calves, and I learned my lesson from that also. Stretching is extremely important. It was probably just a dumb question, I was just curious sorry for wasting your time.

Brother you got to listen to the things or orders that no don't like. Either from a DOC or your CO - you follow them the best you can. Follow the rules the best you can. All I can say is train, take it slow as you can and follow a plan. MW or Matt Furey book - just follow a plan that you like and it will take you were you want.
I have to do the same thing with my shoulder - hold back. Its best for the long hual. But man 6 months Plus - this suck!

kenny · 05-15-2006, 20:23

Yes Sir, I learned the stupid way and wont make that mistake again. It was a lesson learned.

**Jack Moroney (RIP)** · 05-16-2006, 05:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenny

It was probably just a dumb question, I was just curious sorry for wasting your time.

The question wasn't dumb, just the act. This place exists to ask questions and no one here that takes the time to answer them thinks you are wasting our time. I just want you to make sure that you understand that we take this business seriously that there is a big difference between initiative and intelligent initiative. I wish you well with your attempt.

kenny · 05-16-2006, 09:04

I appreciate it, I will give it my all and learn the most that I can.

skipjack · 05-16-2006, 21:29

To answer your question about how common it is for the Achilles tendon to be injured during SFAS, all depends on how well you take care of yourself. Many people in my SFAS class had Achilles tendon problems, myself included, but the difference was when that problem occurred. Mine finally got to me towards the end, but that was because I allowed my feet to air out every chance I got and elevated my feet every night while I slept. Many people were cutting their boots towards the end just to fit their feet in them, luckly I didn't have to do that. Like many of the BTDT's have said before, big boy rules, have the discipline to prepare yourself. That goes for PT and taking care of yourself. Good luck to you... never quit!

-skipjack