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 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.
What may start as soreness that eases after a period of rest may soon become a chronic ache. X-rays are needed to assess how much damage has occurred. Conventional treatment often starts with the lower leg and foot being immobilized in a cast to speed recovery. Most cases recover without further treatment, and routine painkillers help with the pain.
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 for people, their usefulness is not centered in their feet, as a horse's often is. Their future won't include euthanasia for this lameness. However, both people and horses may find themselves slightly less durable than before the injury. Horses are often shod with special shoes to protect the inner foot and restrict flexing of the hoof wall. People may find relief with arch support and special shoes. Treatments suggested by physical therapists can include ultrasound, massage, and immobilization for a period of healing.
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 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.
What may start as soreness that eases after a period of rest may soon become a chronic ache. X-rays are needed to assess how much damage has occurred. Conventional treatment often starts with the lower leg and foot being immobilized in a cast to speed recovery. Most cases recover without further treatment, and routine painkillers help with the pain.
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 for people, their usefulness is not centered in their feet, as a horse's often is. Their future won't include euthanasia for this lameness. However, both people and horses may find themselves slightly less durable than before the injury. Horses are often shod with special shoes to protect the inner foot and restrict flexing of the hoof wall. People may find relief with arch support and special shoes. Treatments suggested by physical therapists can include ultrasound, massage, and immobilization for a period of healing.
