Knee Issue pre-OCS

[ames]

calf pain

I was curious if anyone has had any problems with their calves when running? A few weeks while running my left calf cramped up. It seemed to be a specific area in the middle of my calf and the cramp never worked itself out as I continued to run. Later on, whenever I'd sit for a long period of time (like at work), I'd get up and my left foot would feel like it was asleep, but only for a few steps. I was beginning to wonder if it was just a pinched nerve. I ran again last week and could only finish 1.5 miles out of my 3 because the cramping got to be too much. It was starting to effect my running form. I've been icing the calf and heating it without any luck. Last weekend it hurt just to run in place, but I have no pain just walking. I don't imagine that it is shin splints since the pain seems to reside solely in the calf muscle area.

Has anyone who has used those bands found any relief to the lower part of their leg or is it just the knee? I don't want to fall too behind in my training, and it figures that I have a 5k race this Sunday that I signed up for monhs ago. uch_125:

 

[jus2mch]

I was curious if anyone has had any problems with their calves when running? A few weeks while running my left calf cramped up. It seemed to be a specific area in the middle of my calf and the cramp never worked itself out as I continued to run. Later on, whenever I'd sit for a long period of time (like at work), I'd get up and my left foot would feel like it was asleep, but only for a few steps. I was beginning to wonder if it was just a pinched nerve. I ran again last week and could only finish 1.5 miles out of my 3 because the cramping got to be too much. It was starting to effect my running form. I've been icing the calf and heating it without any luck. Last weekend it hurt just to run in place, but I have no pain just walking. I don't imagine that it is shin splints since the pain seems to reside solely in the calf muscle area.

Has anyone who has used those bands found any relief to the lower part of their leg or is it just the knee? I don't want to fall too behind in my training, and it figures that I have a 5k race this Sunday that I signed up for monhs ago. uch_125:

Were you well hydrated? Sometimes I cramp up if I haven't drank enough water. If Icey Hot makes it feel better I always take that as a good sign, because it will usually go away in about a day.

 

[ames]

I have been sucking down the water. I was hoping that would be all it was, but the pain returns every time I attempt to run. The icy hot is my friend too, but it doesn't really seem to be helping much this time.

 

[MSkinsATC]

Great advice Feddoc, I agree, hit up a Sports Med Doc. Another thing you can look at if you have never had this problem before is your shoes. Shoes are only made to withstand so many miles, and that could be part of the problem. Or maybe you just got new shoes, that could be part of it too!! Its funny how much shoes can affect your knees, hips, back...If you go see the Sport Med Doc take your running shoes with you, he may want to look at them to see your gait.

 

[BigIron]

I have been sucking down the water. I was hoping that would be all it was, but the pain returns every time I attempt to run. The icy hot is my friend too, but it doesn't really seem to be helping much this time.

The perhaps you need a consultation with a sports doc or maybe a consultation with a phyiscal therapist.

See if this works: http://www.newamssm.org/FADquery.html

 

[stranger]

AMES I have been having the same issue. The doctor ending up telling me that I need to stretch out my calf muscle. You need to stretch at least 6 times a day. He also said to hold the stretch for at least 30 secs. It is very important to ensure that you strecth well before and after a work out. I know that we here this all the time but ultimately we do not all stretch well enough. Oh yeah don't forget to drink enough water. I hope this helps you.

 

[ames]

It's good to hear that someone else was having similar issues. I took nearly 2 weeks off of running when it became painful. I had signed up for a 5k race months ago, and was able to run it yesterday with no painful cramping in the calf! It tigthened up near the half way point but still never reached the painful stages it was at previously. It probably did have to do with stretching more and rest. I should probably cut my weekly milage down until I'm fully recovered. Thanks to everyone for their input.

 

[fatathaland]

Okay well I have the knee support now and I've been using the exercise bike. My knee still just doesn't feel right. Running even a little makes it hurt.

My recruiter wants me to run the PRT again in a couple days to prove I can pass the in-PFT at OCS. He says I should just run slow. I really think it is a bad idea for me to run; it would have probably healed by now if in the past I hadn't tried to push through and run on it. Plus running is the exact opposite of what the doctor recommended.

I don't know if it's an option to get a later class. I'm going to talk to my recruiter about it. I know if I go to OCS like this then after the first couple of days my knee will be worse than ever.

This is a shitty situation.

 

[BigRed389]

Okay well I have the knee support now and I've been using the exercise bike. My knee still just doesn't feel right. Running even a little makes it hurt.

My recruiter wants me to run the PRT again in a couple days to prove I can pass the in-PFT at OCS. He says I should just run slow. I really think it is a bad idea for me to run; it would have probably healed by now if in the past I hadn't tried to push through and run on it. Plus running is the exact opposite of what the doctor recommended.

I don't know if it's an option to get a later class. I'm going to talk to my recruiter about it. I know if I go to OCS like this then after the first couple of days my knee will be worse than ever.

This is a shitty situation.

Later class date if you can prove you're injured(doctor's note).

You can rehab at home, or in H Class at OCS if you get injured.

Sounds like it should be btwn you and your doctor.

You will do PLENTY of running, and some of it is likely to be in the zero shock absorbing black dress shoes. And when you're not running, you sure as hell aren't sitting down.

 

[BigIron]

You can rehab at home, or in H Class at OCS if you get injured.

I don't know much about OCS anymore, but H class doesn't sound like a good place to be. It used to be called GTX and it's residents were never happy.

 

[invertedflyer]

I had ITB issues WHILE at OCS when I went to Jrs. , so I went through some light Physical Therapy in preparation for Seniors. Basically I ended up learning a few different stretches and techniques.

One thing you can do is strengthen the muscle groups in your legs that surround the IT Band, therefore taking pressure off of it. Mostly this is going to be your quads and calves. ITBS usually occurs because of excess rubbing of the IT band against the side of your knee, but is also caused by not being limber. As everyone else has said, stretch out regularely (not only IT Band stretch, but ham string, quads, etc.)

I brought a knee brace to OCS for Seniors and something else that helped me. A Roller made of a dense Styrofoam-like material. You basically use the roller to loosen up your IT band (I wouldn't have known about this had I not attended Physical Therapy on my own). Its a couple feet long and you basically lay on your side, putting the roller perpendicular to you. You then roll it up and down the length of your leg putting all of your weight on it. This will loosen up your IT band and dramatically improve the condition (and quickly). My friend also used it during training with similar results.

Last but not least, make sure to utilize any ice you can get ahold of to help. If your training date was later on some of this could be avoided, but heres the list for quick reference.

1. Stretch your legs daily, all muscle groups.
2. Strengthen surrounding muscle groups (leg machines at the gym work).
3. Buy a roller (Local sporting goods store, Big 5 Sporting goods has them).
4. Ice your knee every evening if you can (At OCS).
5. Bring a knee brace, although you may only have limited chances to use it.

I ended up going to seniors and having zero problems with ITBS. Good luck man.

 

[stranger]

One of the guys that was selected for OCS from my command was put in H class for not doing his sit ups correctly. Does anyone know what their typical day is like in there? I was suppose to class up with him but ended up gettting and order mod because I injured my calf muscle. I had to get a note from my doctor.

 

[BACONATOR]

One of the guys that was selected for OCS from my command was put in H class for not doing his sit ups correctly. Does anyone know what their typical day is like in there? I was suppose to class up with him but ended up gettting and order mod because I injured my calf muscle. I had to get a note from my doctor.

Ya, while you're there, it blows. After the fact, it's some funny ass fond memories. PM for details.

 

[invertedflyer]

I guess funny ass fond memories includes rotting fish being sent as gifts to candidates, eh joboy?