Foot Problems

[armyguy]

What is the name of your state? NY

I'm an 1LT in the Army with 2 1/2 years in the service. I've been having a lot of foot problems recently. I can't run at all and have trouble walking for long periods of time in boots. I went to sick call and was told that I have extreme bilateral bunions on both feet, and was referred to an off-post doctor. I was also told that surgery might be necessary. I read in one of the regulations that extreme bunions like mine are grounds for a medical separation. The option of surgery is not mentioned in the regulation. I do not want to leave the service, and I was wondering how likely it is that I will be kicked out, and what I can do to avoid this. Please help!

[chrisdizz22]

i dont know alot about foot problems, but i think the fact that they sent you to a civilian doctor is a good sign.. if the doctor cant fix your feet, then they might discharge you...

[badapple40]

Did they put you on a profile for this? Was it temporary or permanent? How did they classify you? And did the military doctor say that you met retention criteria? Or are they withholding judgment to see if you can rehabilitate?

[lvn4ever]

for what its worth-my daughter just had surgery for this last year. we researched it carefully as she was in the middle of applying for ROTC scholarships. All the advice we got was get a good dr.-orthopaedic surgeon and do one foot at a time, about 6 months between surgeries. All the advice held true: two nights in the hospital, a week or two on crutches and then a walking cast for about a month. Hope it goes well for you. I can't see how this would be a large enough prob. to necessitate seperation from the service.

[armyguy]

They put me on a temporary profile and referred me to an off-post doctor. The military doctor that I spoke with didn't even look at my feet...I just described the problem and he told me what it was. Plus, there is a history of developing severe bunions in my family. My mother had the same surgery recently. I haven't seen the off-post doctor yet. If he decides surgery is an option, is this a surgery that the Army would pay for? I'm just concerned because the regulation states that severe bunions with exotosis (like mine) are grounds for a referral to a MEB. Plus, they are really a problem and are interfering with my PT scores and even my marching.