Navicular Pain In Horses And Humans
Foot pain can be a real problem, whether it's in a horse or a human. Life is much more pleasant when movement does not cause discomfort or suffering. Navicular pain can incapacitate a horse. For humans, it is often less serious but can mean giving up accustomed activities.
Horses can develop the problem after eating too much grain or too much rich green grass. In former days, concussion on hard roads was another common cause of the problem. Over-consumption of grain can have an instant effect, while grass has a more gradual but no less serious effect. Inflammation in the digestive tract eventually shows up in the front feet, which bear most of the animal's weight. In severe cases, the navicular bones may rotate, putting painful pressure on the sensitive sole of the foot.
This condition must be treated at once with anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, to keep damage to a minimum. Vets usually recommend stall confinement at first and then restriction from grass. Weight loss is also often a part of recovery, and thyroid medication may be prescribed. If the problem was over-consumption of grain, the stomach is usually flushed with oil to make the grain pass through the digestive tract. If too much lush grass caused the problem, the owner might need to limit access to pasture in future, especially in spring when the new grass is especially lush.
Often afflicted horses will recover with only minor changes to the foot, but others may be in much pain and have little chance of recovery. These animals may be 'put down' or euthanized. No owner wants to prolong suffering, and a grazing animal that must be isolated in a stall or a dry lot will not have a normal life.
People can also have problems with the same bone that's found in the middle of the foot. Those afflicted are usually athletes who engage in sports with lots of running and changes of direction, like basketball and soccer players. This concussion can cause damage or fracture. Spraining tendons that attach to the foot and ankle can also cause this problem.
At first, the pain may be a minor soreness which is alleviated by rest. Exercise will cause it to return and gradually worsen, especially if a stress fracture is involved. Immobilizing the foot and lower leg in a cast and using crutches often allows the foot to heal.
In extreme cases, surgery may be indicated. This can also help prevent arthritic complications that may develop as time goes on. X-rays are needed to assess the extent of the damage. For some who have an extra bone in their foot, called an 'accessory navicular', the problem may be caused by relatively minor twisting or strain, or even by ill-fitting shoes.
Fortunately, people with sore feet don't face euthanasia. However, they may have to be careful in the future to avoid chronic pain. Horses are usually shod with special shoes which restrict the flexing of the hoof wall, and people also may need special shoes and arch supports. Physical therapy, massage, and ultrasound treatments may help.
Horses can develop the problem after eating too much grain or too much rich green grass. In former days, concussion on hard roads was another common cause of the problem. Over-consumption of grain can have an instant effect, while grass has a more gradual but no less serious effect. Inflammation in the digestive tract eventually shows up in the front feet, which bear most of the animal's weight. In severe cases, the navicular bones may rotate, putting painful pressure on the sensitive sole of the foot.
This condition must be treated at once with anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, to keep damage to a minimum. Vets usually recommend stall confinement at first and then restriction from grass. Weight loss is also often a part of recovery, and thyroid medication may be prescribed. If the problem was over-consumption of grain, the stomach is usually flushed with oil to make the grain pass through the digestive tract. If too much lush grass caused the problem, the owner might need to limit access to pasture in future, especially in spring when the new grass is especially lush.
Often afflicted horses will recover with only minor changes to the foot, but others may be in much pain and have little chance of recovery. These animals may be 'put down' or euthanized. No owner wants to prolong suffering, and a grazing animal that must be isolated in a stall or a dry lot will not have a normal life.
People can also have problems with the same bone that's found in the middle of the foot. Those afflicted are usually athletes who engage in sports with lots of running and changes of direction, like basketball and soccer players. This concussion can cause damage or fracture. Spraining tendons that attach to the foot and ankle can also cause this problem.
At first, the pain may be a minor soreness which is alleviated by rest. Exercise will cause it to return and gradually worsen, especially if a stress fracture is involved. Immobilizing the foot and lower leg in a cast and using crutches often allows the foot to heal.
In extreme cases, surgery may be indicated. This can also help prevent arthritic complications that may develop as time goes on. X-rays are needed to assess the extent of the damage. For some who have an extra bone in their foot, called an 'accessory navicular', the problem may be caused by relatively minor twisting or strain, or even by ill-fitting shoes.
Fortunately, people with sore feet don't face euthanasia. However, they may have to be careful in the future to avoid chronic pain. Horses are usually shod with special shoes which restrict the flexing of the hoof wall, and people also may need special shoes and arch supports. Physical therapy, massage, and ultrasound treatments may help.
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