<p>I was wondering what sort of preventative and pain-relieving methods cadets use during beast to help with shin splints. I am a track runner and every year I get shin splints despite new shoes, plenty of icing etc. I'm now using orthodics which seem to help but, obviously, shin splints are certainly something that i would rather not have to deal with while at beast. I'm sure many kids run into this problem (so to speak) and I'm curious what west point's response is as far as orthodics, taking advil on a daily basis etc. thanks</p>
<p>This is a good question, and I'd like to know the answer too. I have another question to add though, if a new cadet was to injure his/her self and couldn't do a portion of the APFT at the beginning or end of Beast, would the new cadet just get a bad grade on the physical part? Or could he/she be separated from the Academy?</p>
<p>I believe you would postpone taking the APFT if you were on a medical profile. Perhaps a current cadet can explain more accurately. </p>
<p>And I know at least 1 who had some severe shin splints last summer during Beast. There was pretty good medical attention and opportunity to rest the legs after being put on "profile". However, there are definitely requirements that you complete certain activities in order to pass CBT.</p>
<p>I know my friend's brother at the AFA broke his ankle during BCT two years ago. He is graduating in '08. ;)</p>
<p>How does the academy deal with extensive injuries during Beast (broken bones, etc.). The issue has to come up at least every few years I suppose. I've had to sit out both a cross country and a track season, so I can't even imagine how bad I would feel watching my friends slog through Beast without me.</p>
<p>There are many scenarios that can develop. Injuries and other medical conditions that are recoverable could mean sitting out a year at home and joining the next class. Medical conditions that are normally disqualifying and are discovered as a result of physical breakdown during Beast, which were missed during the DODMERB medical qualification, could mean separation from the academy.</p>
<p>That makes sense. Thanks for the reply.</p>
<p>As GEB points out, the type and timing of an injury determines what impact it has on your status at USMA. A severely sprained ankle on day 1 might be treated differently than one on the last day of CBT.</p>
<p>During CBT, each cadet is required to pass a variety of standards-based tasks. Some physical (PT, AFT, swimming), some military (markmanship, road marches) and some leadership/behavioral (attitude, knowlege, uniform & room inspections). Failure or inability to pass them can mean "recycling" (return the next year for CBT as new cadet) or separation for the corps. For some tasks, cadets are given additional time after CBT to pass them. </p>
<p>For example, when I visited our son on Acceptance Day in August, one of the cadets I spoke with said he had developed heat blisters on his back during his week at Lake Fredrick and, although he marched the Marchback to WP, he couldn't carry a backpack. He told me that he had to "redo" the road march requirement sometime before Thanksgiving Leave or he would be separated. He said some other cadets with minor injuries were also given time schedules to pass missed tasks. I don't know how or which tasks can be rescheduled. The important thing to know is that WP wants you to stay, not dropout. You have to meet the standards, but they will make every effort to help you reach them. </p>
<p>Regarding shin splints. Constant stretching of the calves (before you get shin splints) and good quality shoes are two of the top preventative measures. I recommend you invest the time and money to visit a store specializing in athletic shoes and get the top quality shoes that fit your feet and running style. The extra $50-100 you might spend on running shoes will pay big dividends.</p>