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Tendon, Suspensory Ligament Injuries -- Acute "Damage to the tendon occurs in the most part due to overstretch, associated with a tired or weak parent muscle. There is loss of full effective function in the limb. A structural weakness occurs in the affected limb, which may be permanent. The parent muscle also shows impaired functional weakness." Symptoms: Ice Therapy: Essential within first 48 hours. An immediate application of ice, or cold therapy, will constrict the blood vessels and slow tissue hemorrhage. The mediators of the inflammatory response will be slowed and there will be some pain reduction. Therapeutic ultrasound: To reduce the tissue edema and pain. Laser or low level light: Treatments reduce inflammation, provide analgesia (through the stimulated production of endorphins) and promotes cellular healing (1). Massage: Myofascial and cross-fiber friction; also effleurage of topical liniments (waiting 72 hours from onset). Hydromassage: Through the use of a turbolator boot will provide the desired temperature effects and massage the tissues (2). Poultices and topicals: Use poultice when you notice any signs of heat. You want to cool the area down, so you do not want to use a poultice that is medicated where it will generate heat under bandages. Bowie clay is great base poultice that will work well with an arnica liniment underneath it. Liniments: When you put the horse away after hand walking or exercise or set him up at night, you should soak the leg in the Arnica liniment prior to wrapping. A good arnica based liniment (like the Sore No More Brand) can also be applied prior to exercise to warm up the tendons that are on the mend. (You should be especially careful when putting horses back into training after their healing time. It is this time that you want to be sure the tendons are cared for so they do not tear again.) (3) Shoeing/trimming: Should be scrutinized by a certified farrier. A balanced foot is necessary for tendon and ligament stability. Too much toe will get in the way of break-over. Restoring a natural balance to the horse will complement rehabilitative therapy (4). Acupuncture: Treatment area will include the meridians along the affected area as well those meridians indicated using the Five Element Theory based on a complete workup of the animal (5). Chinese Herbs: Iron Tendon (Thorne Research) strengthens the tendons (5). Magnetic Field Therapy: Static boots or Pulsed therapy daily to reduce pain and increase circulation to the affected tissue. Homeopathy: Aromatherapy: Essential oils promote warm-up and aid recovery after exertion; they prevent general aches and pain and inflammation of tendons. Mix: cinnamon 5ml, coriander 10ml, nutmeg 10ml, rosemary 20ml, lavender 10ml, pine 10ml, pure terebinth 20ml, white birch 10ml, verbena 5ml add to 200ml of oil of St. John's wort apply to affected areas (7). Chiropractic: Compensation from a painful limb will manifest itself through the spine and create chiropractic problems. A licensed practitioner can evaluate the spine for any misalignments. The practitioner can also check for joint function in the knees, carpal bones, etc. to restore normal movement in those joints (8). References: |
"Ligaments support joints. Overstretched ligaments therefore lead to loss of stability in the joint. In the case of the suspensory ligament, stability is lost at the fetlock joint and below."