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.
There is treatment for this equine problem. Usually stall rest and then a 'dry' or grass-free paddock are recommended, and medications include painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Vets often recommend a weight-loss program as well. The afflicted horse will be more sensitive to 'grass founder' for the rest of it's life.
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 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.
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.
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.
There is treatment for this equine problem. Usually stall rest and then a 'dry' or grass-free paddock are recommended, and medications include painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Vets often recommend a weight-loss program as well. The afflicted horse will be more sensitive to 'grass founder' for the rest of it's life.
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 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.
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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