Navicular Pain Occurs In Horses And Humans
Feet are important, to humans, animals, and birds. When navicular pain is a chronic problem, life is made much more difficult. In horses, this can be a serious problem. For humans, this condition ranges from annoying to something that requires surgery.
Horse owners are familiar with and terrified of the word 'navicular'. It's associated with a ailment called 'founder', which happens to horses who eat too much rich grass or grain. It begins as inflammation in the digestive tract and can cause soreness in the front feet. In severe cases, the bone that gives the disease it's name can 'rotate' or get out of proper alignment. This puts pressure on the inner sole of the foot and is extremely painful.
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.
In minor cases, lameness will eventually disappear and the horse can be returned to light work. Sometimes the condition affects one front foot and the horse will support its weight on the other, which causes additional problems. In many cases, vets recommend that a horse in pain and with no useful future be 'put down' or euthanized. If this sounds harsh, remember that horses are grazing animals and confining them to a barn or dry paddock does not give them 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.
When there has been a fracture, the pain can become severe enough that surgery is recommended. Surgery can also help prevent future arthritic degeneration of the bone. The condition can be diagnosed with X-rays, and the pain handled by painkillers until healing is accomplished. Some people have an extra bone called the 'accessory navicular', which can cause problems even for those who are not athletic and putting undue stress on the feet. This bone is actually located within a tendon of the foot and is susceptible to injury if the ankle or foot is twisted severely.
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.
Horse owners are familiar with and terrified of the word 'navicular'. It's associated with a ailment called 'founder', which happens to horses who eat too much rich grass or grain. It begins as inflammation in the digestive tract and can cause soreness in the front feet. In severe cases, the bone that gives the disease it's name can 'rotate' or get out of proper alignment. This puts pressure on the inner sole of the foot and is extremely painful.
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.
In minor cases, lameness will eventually disappear and the horse can be returned to light work. Sometimes the condition affects one front foot and the horse will support its weight on the other, which causes additional problems. In many cases, vets recommend that a horse in pain and with no useful future be 'put down' or euthanized. If this sounds harsh, remember that horses are grazing animals and confining them to a barn or dry paddock does not give them 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.
When there has been a fracture, the pain can become severe enough that surgery is recommended. Surgery can also help prevent future arthritic degeneration of the bone. The condition can be diagnosed with X-rays, and the pain handled by painkillers until healing is accomplished. Some people have an extra bone called the 'accessory navicular', which can cause problems even for those who are not athletic and putting undue stress on the feet. This bone is actually located within a tendon of the foot and is susceptible to injury if the ankle or foot is twisted severely.
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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