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.
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.
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.
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 experience troubles with this bone, too. Athletes who play fast, shifting games like basketball and soccer are particularly vulnerable. The problem is caused by concussion, over-flexing of the foot, or sprains.
The condition shows up first as a minor, nagging soreness in the foot, which worsens withe exercise and is relieved by rest. A cast and crutches may be prescribes if a fracture has occurred. Most people recover from the damage they've done to their foot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 experience troubles with this bone, too. Athletes who play fast, shifting games like basketball and soccer are particularly vulnerable. The problem is caused by concussion, over-flexing of the foot, or sprains.
The condition shows up first as a minor, nagging soreness in the foot, which worsens withe exercise and is relieved by rest. A cast and crutches may be prescribes if a fracture has occurred. Most people recover from the damage they've done to their foot.
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.
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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