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.
Also called 'founder', this condition can be treated. Stall rest and anti-inflammatory drugs can ease the pain. Extended time in a dry lot, or grass-free area, can sometimes restore soundness, although it does not reverse damage to the structure of the inner foot. If horses are over-weight, the vet may prescribe thyroid medication and restrictions on feed and forage. Contracting this disorder makes horses more vulnerable to repeated attacks in future.
If the horse recovers, it may be returned to light work. If lameness persists, the useful life of the horse will be over if it's not suitable for breeding. Severe cases will leave the horse in pain, so many owners choose to have such animals 'put down' or euthanized. Because horses are grazing herd animals, solitary confinement in a stall or dry lot is not a normal life.
People also have a navicular bone, located in the middle of the foot, which can become painful. Basketball or soccer players who run, stop, and turn repeatedly often develop soreness in the mid-foot area. The bone may fracture under the stress or because of distortion caused by a sprained tendon.
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.
Surgery is sometimes required if a fracture does not heal, or if damage is severe enough to make future arthritic deterioration probable. Diagnosis is made with X-rays, and painkillers can handle the pain while less drastic measures are tried. Some people have an 'accessory navicular', which is a extra, tiny bone embedded in a tendon. Even when they are not athletes, they may have problems caused by twisting the foot or wearing improper shoes.
Although a horse's usefulness may depend on soundness, this is not the case for people. People have other ways of getting around. However, sore feet definitely take the fun out of living. Initial treatment can be followed by physical therapy or by massage, ultrasound treatments, and a recommendation for arch supports and special shoes.
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.
Also called 'founder', this condition can be treated. Stall rest and anti-inflammatory drugs can ease the pain. Extended time in a dry lot, or grass-free area, can sometimes restore soundness, although it does not reverse damage to the structure of the inner foot. If horses are over-weight, the vet may prescribe thyroid medication and restrictions on feed and forage. Contracting this disorder makes horses more vulnerable to repeated attacks in future.
If the horse recovers, it may be returned to light work. If lameness persists, the useful life of the horse will be over if it's not suitable for breeding. Severe cases will leave the horse in pain, so many owners choose to have such animals 'put down' or euthanized. Because horses are grazing herd animals, solitary confinement in a stall or dry lot is not a normal life.
People also have a navicular bone, located in the middle of the foot, which can become painful. Basketball or soccer players who run, stop, and turn repeatedly often develop soreness in the mid-foot area. The bone may fracture under the stress or because of distortion caused by a sprained tendon.
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.
Surgery is sometimes required if a fracture does not heal, or if damage is severe enough to make future arthritic deterioration probable. Diagnosis is made with X-rays, and painkillers can handle the pain while less drastic measures are tried. Some people have an 'accessory navicular', which is a extra, tiny bone embedded in a tendon. Even when they are not athletes, they may have problems caused by twisting the foot or wearing improper shoes.
Although a horse's usefulness may depend on soundness, this is not the case for people. People have other ways of getting around. However, sore feet definitely take the fun out of living. Initial treatment can be followed by physical therapy or by massage, ultrasound treatments, and a recommendation for arch supports and special shoes.
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