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Anyone here had to redo a medical due to Orthotics?

General discussions on joining & training in the Royal Marines.
GGHT
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Anyone here had to redo a medical due to Orthotics?

Post by GGHT »

Alright all,
After telephoning my AFCO and informing him it would be a better idea if I do my PJFT when fully fit (when orthotics are fully broken in as such) he told me I would have to redo the medical, focusing on lower legs.

My podiatrist is very confident the problem will be rectified soon and has told me to refer the GP to him in the light of any questions.

Just wondering if anyone here has had the same procedure?
Daveb
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Post by Daveb »

Hello mate,

I literally just got back from my medical I had to retake. It wasnt due to Orthotics, it was because my previous one had expired. I explained about my injury, but to be honest they just asked if its ok now and I said yes and they just redid the whole medical again.
GGHT
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Post by GGHT »

Thanks Dave, everything go ok?

Yeh I thought orthotics in the application process would be more common to be honest, although I bet there are lads that come out with or have leg injuries in Hunter due to dodgy bio-mechanics.
GGHT
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Post by GGHT »

Just thought I'd update this for anyone who has a similar problem in the future.

Basically im fine to do carry on the application process, although im completely shocked at the apparent rarity of Potentials who use orthotics, which are fairly common-place amongst runners.
AFCO and Doctor's reacted like I was the first ever case in Cardiff!
Doc asked to see them, then checked Royal protocol on them in a booklet to which he said "the Marines don't like them".
As you can imagine I was crapping myself at this point, I hadn't expected this, looking back it was probably more to with the lack of experience of potentials with them.
He then put a telephone call through to someone connected with the Marines, then made me wait about 10 minutes for an answer, which was a little nervewracking.
From what I can gather lads, unless you have them as a result of an accident (as opposed to dodgy footstrike) you should be ok.

Thank God I can carry on. :D
Daveb
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Post by Daveb »

That's great to hear mate!!! Congrats!

Sure is nerve racking at medicals aint it, especially when you have something to worry about - like your orthotics or my injury!
Artist
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Post by Artist »

Please help an "Owd & Bold" member of the Forum.
But what the heck are Orthotics?
And can you dip them in your Tea at Stand Easy? :o :o

Artist
GGHT
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Post by GGHT »

Heh no probs Artist, orthotics are basically customised insoles made for you by a podiatrist.

The majority of people don't need them, but if you have a biomechanic problem like me (overpronation) they make your life a lot easier.
My running and endurance have improved a great deal, as the orthotics have minimised energy I was needlessly expending from stabilising etc.
I can run/walk without them, but I figured that should I get in, that yomping for miles would probably bring any lower leg problems to the fore.
Cheeze
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Post by Cheeze »

Hi there GGHT,

I have exactly the same problem as you, I also "over pronate", and I was stressing big time as to whether I would pass the medical (although I am joining the light infantry so I hope it is the same!!!!!). So you are sure it is OK? I can also train without them but I figured the same as you, that I would be inviting injury with the heavy loads and mileage. I sure hope the Army is the same. I would try out for Royal instead but I can't join as an officer as a SA, so I am hoping to get picked for Sandhurst from the ranks.

Thanks for your post, it has taken a weight off my mind.

Cheers,
cheeze
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Post by Artist »

Cheers for the info.

When the docs let me out of Hospital in 84 they issued me with these things called Sorbothane insoles. Which, I presume were the equivalent of these newbie ones.

Artist
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Post by Dave_n »

I overpronate, but i cant aford £100 insoles so I'm just going to have to put up with it.

I start Recruit Training in 5 weeks.

dave
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Post by Dave_n »

Artist I have sorbothanes, £17 for field and trek.

dave
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Post by GGHT »

dave_n wrote:I overpronate, but i cant aford £100 insoles so I'm just going to have to put up with it.
:oops: and the rest mate!
These podiatrists must be laughing all the way t'bank.
james_m
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Post by james_m »

dave_n wrote:Artist I have sorbothanes, £17 for field and trek.

dave
How do you find them? Do you notice any difference? I think I might give these a go!

Cheers
James_m
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Post by Dave_n »

f@#k horrible the first few times you wear them. but you do notice them absorbing the shock and they give more support around the side of the foot.

dave
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Post by james_m »

Thanks mate, I will order some from Field and Trek and see how I get on!

How did you find out that you overpronate?

I suffer from what I think is shin splints from time to time but have not seen anyone about it.

Cheers
James_m
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