Knee Braces

[Est1977]

Hey there Beast77. I think that you have posed a difficult question. Everyone's body reacts differently to damage and recovery and we ave no specifics in this respect with regard to your situation. I think that if your knee is fine, and you've passed the medical, then that is one step in the right direction. However if you feel that you've somehow passed your medical by cheating; by avoiding the issue of your past injury, or by somehow "dodging a bullet" then you might have to think about it a little harder.

I myself went through knee surgery and have recovered quite well. I might add that many athletes suffer injuries and recover to go on to further their careers. Are they all jumping from 10-15 feet off the ground? Certainly not...but the point remains. If your goal is to become a superstar paratrooper and your knee worries you, you might think of another trade.

I myself haven't been to Basic yet, and I think that will be the best indicator for you. But I guess if you're in a rush to find out, find yourself a ten foot drop and giv'r. Let me know how that goes.

Have some faith in what your body tells you and good luck in Basic and the Reserves.

 

[Gunner98]

The other thing I bring to the table is time in CFMG HQ as a Staff Offr drafting responses to Ministerial Inquiries, requests for info from Members of Parliament and Redresses of Grievances from soldiers who were on the bubble, on the way out or already out of uniform.

IMHO, as logical and rational as many cases were/are, the medical standards folks and DMCARM have tough jobs - to be fair, consistent and compassionate all at the same time.  IMHO, in the interest of the CF will usually (and rightfully should) out-weigh many other factors involved in the risk management process known as Career Review Boards (Medical).

 

[TCBF]

"So to summarize:  I'm piddled, overly sensitive and paranoid.'

- Well, you're now in our secret club, then!

;D

I understand your perspective, I think you understand ours.  Every bad enrollment who is retained indefinately saps the system of resources needed to enlist and train good soldiers.

Best of luck to you.

Tom

 

[Beast 77]

Wow, I didn't realize this was such a sensitive subject. First of all, thanks to all who responded and gave advice and/or encouragement. Secondly, I have not lied about my knee and have no intention of collecting a check if I do get injured. I just know that joining the army is a big goal I have (one that no one close to me understands and therefore do not support me). I'm just trying to figure out of I am kidding myself as I have been told by others or if I really do have what it takes. Anyways, I hope my knee holds so that I can contribute. I will try, and if I do get badly injured, I guess I made the wrong choice. Live and learn. Thanks again.

 

[Ottawa Soldier]

To begin with this is an awesome site which helped me understand alot about the application process.

I am 21 years old and applying for the infantry reserve.

I submitted my application in Aug.'05.
I passed my Canadian Aptitude test.
I passed my interview.

When  I was doing my medical, the Medical officer asked my if I had any joint problems.  I mentioned that I have injured my knee in the past but it does not bother me anymore.  He told me that I cannot do my Fitness test unless I can get a doctor to write that my knee is ok.

I did an MRI, and it turned out that I have a minor meniscal tear in my knee.

I gave a CF sheet to the sportmedicine M.D to fill out.  And he wrote that its asympotmatic and there is a CHANCE that I MAY reinjure it.
The M.D also filled out a sheet stating that I can preform all the CF activities required but I MAY aggravate my knee condition.

I submitted these papers to the recruiting office and soon there was a reply in the my mail stating that " i do not meet the enrolment standard required by both the regular and reserve forces"
BUT it states that "your case could be reconsidered once a detailed current assessment from an orthopaedic or sports medicine specialist is provided"

Now I mentioned to the Medical Officer that I could run continuously for 35 minutes no problem- he even said my ligaments and knee muscles were very strong.
I told the doctor I could do all the movements and it doesn't even feel I have a problem.  I still do all types of sports.

I am in a dilemma.  Most doctors like to cover themselves up, they will always mention that there is a risk.
I wanted to make it for the Janaury weekend BMQ but now chances are slim.

Has anyone been in my situation?  Input and guidance  is much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[medicineman]

I guess I'll jump in - I'm sure your doctor explained that not only might you increase the size of the tear, but your knee might also lock up or buckle on you depending on the stress you put on it if you have a tear.  Either would not be cool if you're doing a cross country march with a heavy rucksack - something infanteers do alot of.  Not to mention the up and down that happens during attack drills or smashing of legs that happens during parade drill.  What "we" are hoping is that we don't break you worse than you are right now - they are also giving you the chance to heal up and reapply though.  It's not good to show up for training with a foot halfway into the proverbial grave - "we" want you to start healthy and ideally finnish that way.  Talk with your sports med doc or an orthopod and they'll tell you that often these things settle with a little tincture of time and you'll be back to normal  -then reapply.  You can also explore surgical intervention, though I'm not sure they'd reccomend that route just yet (my non-MD opinion, though I've looked after a fair number of knees in my day  8) ).

Hope that helps a bit.  Good luck, and don't give up.

MM

 

[Forgotten_Hero]

Now I mentioned to the Medical Officer that I could run continuously for 35 minutes no problem- he even said my ligaments and knee muscles were very strong.
I told the doctor I could do all the movements and it doesn't even feel I have a problem.  I still do all types of sports.

Thats all fine and all... but have you tried a forced march with a heavy rucksack? Have you tried running completely kitted up? What about if overseas you'd have to bug out of a position with a heavy load?

The reason that the CF officially doesnt make people run with their rucksacks is because, with that weight on your back, it isnt any good on your knees, it hurts them. Sometimes even in training you're put in a position where you have to jog with a heavy load, or at least shuffle (which I'd imagine isnt good for your knees neither), and you with your tear you could end up completely screwing yourself over. You'd be unfit for service, and still eligable for a pension because of the injury you suffered while training. And if this happens in an actual combat environment, you're just endangering other peoples lives aswell.

Sometimes theres a reason behind why the military doctors call people unfit for service...

 

[Ottawa Soldier]

Thank you for the input.

I guess the military aint for anybody.

Out.

 

[polo]

I've had a couple of knee injuries in the past, but just go to physio, get some strengthening exercises, do them for a good 6 months, reapply and hopefully your tear should be healed.
I got through with PFS and jumper's knee (both in both of my knees) but they didn't stop me, I worked hard before and still keep at it to make sure I don't re-injure myself. Use preventative measures while you train, in my case I had tensors and braces, I still use them on occasion if my knee(s) is/are feeling weak because there is always that chance.

Good Luck, if you want to be in the army enough you will train at least a couple of months and take measures to help yourself, even if they are choosing a different trade. Work hard and you can accomplish what you want.

 

[Ottawa Soldier]

Maybe i'll give it some time and see what will happen.
Injuring the knees is no fun.  Its a nagging pain that sticks forever but as you said polo- adaption is a must.

When you get injured you realize how weak your body is built.  One small thing goes wrong and the whole balance is disrupted.
Advice for people out there: dont abuse your body, don't overtrain.  Everything in moderation is good. 

 

[Forgotten_Hero]

dont abuse your body

And you want to join the infantry?

 

[Ottawa Soldier]

Don't abuse your body meaning dont get injured while training to get in the military  (Dont overtrain)

 

[Catherine Faye]

    In the future want to be an Artillery Officer, and I have  screw in my knee .  I  had surgery in 2003  and I am able to any thing with my knee that a normal knee can do . However would it limit my chances going in combat ?

Cath

 

[paracowboy]

I  had surgery in 2003  and I am able to any thing with my knee that a normal knee can do . However would it limit my chances going in combat ?

no. That, alone, would not do it. As long as you meet the standards in all your training, you're good to go.

 

[kincanucks]

Your medical fitness for joining the CF can only be determined through the medical portion of the recruiting process and not through this board.  If you want to join then apply and see where the process takes you.

 

[gnome123]

Sorry i posted this question along with another one in a different forum and hasn't been answered and people stoped viewing it.

That said are knee braces aloud? Just wondering because nothing is seriously wrong with my knee i just prefer it because after a lot of running without one it tends to become sore.

Thanks again in advance.

 

[harry8422]

through out my career thus far no one has got mad at me or anyone else for wearing a knee brace you should not have any problems just as long as it does not hinder you in the performance of your duties

 

[cgyflames01]

Go to your MIR, tell the staff your issue, and they will give you a chit. No CF member will then be able to ask why you wear the brace.

 

[Gunner98]

Go to your MIR, tell the staff your issue, and they will give you a chit. No CF member will then be able to ask why you wear the brace.

They can and will still ask but you have a single answer for them - "I have a chit - back off."

 

[Armymedic]

Troops, if it was only that easy.

First if you NEED a knee brace it is because your knee is unstable. An unstable knee is a bad thing in the military setting.

Second, you can't get a chit to wear a knee brace. Not without some other restrictions on whatever is the reason you need the knee brace to start with.(if a medic does it without flexing your knee around and finding the cause of pain, then they are not doing thier job).

Finally, if your knee is sore with running....request to see physio...there is a problem. A knee brace will not fix it, physio might.

edit to add: Knee brace = bad juju. Unless you have it (perscribed by a doctor) for a ACL/PCL or other ligament tear, then you are just hurting yourself.