So this is my junior year and I've been working hard to boost my af academy application. I got several good leadership roles and pushed myself this cross-country season, however, I pushed a little too far. I sustained severe stress fractures to both my legs and have just recently started a long recovery. During some of the diagnosing, I learned that I suffer from low bone density (mild osteopenia). I was told it will be up to 1-2 years before the bones are 100% back to normal but that I should be able to run next year with some limits on mileage. My main question is if I will still be medically fit enough to qualify for usafa? My doctor says the bone density issues should go away after my early 20s but that won't be before I apply. And with the limits on excessive mileage, I don't know if I'd even be able to get through basic training. Thank you for all your help.
Medical Exemptions
- Thread starter Snako7205
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2007
- Messages
- 865
What's excessive mileage? I suspect you would still be qualified, but you might need a waiver. In basic I think the furthest we ran was probably like 6 miles, most of the time it was less than that. Nothing near the kind of mileage cross country runners often do
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2017
- Messages
- 1,262
You should proceed with the application process, including applying for the Summer Seminar in December. Be sure to have a plan B and C if the waiver is not granted. All will tell you that you will not know a definitive answer unless you apply. Good luck with your application!
FalconDad2026
USAFA c/o 2026 dad
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2021
- Messages
- 103
Was the osteopenia diagnosed by a formal bone density study? If so, and you are otherwise healthy, it is likely related to Vit D deficiency (which is very common). While it often takes years for a bone density study to return to normal (even with Vit D supplements as high as 10k IU/day), you can return to normal activity within 3-6 months from now. Many athletes return to high stress routines at that point, continue Vit D supplementation and never look back. So, you should be fine returning to a level of physical activity necessary for any SA. The question is - will the SAs require a documented normal bone density study, which may not happen for several years?