Tendon and Ligament Strains
Tendons and ligaments are dense bands of fibrous tissue
composed mainly of collagen. Tendons connect muscle to
bone, while ligaments connect bone to bone. The flexor
tendons run down the back of the leg from the knee to
the foot and their role is to flex the fetlock and the
digit joints. The suspensory ligament lies at the back
of the cannon bone, deeper than the flexor tendons, and
stretches from the back of the knee to the sesamoid bones
in the fetlock. The suspensory ligament provides support
for the fetlock, preventing extreme over-extension.
Tendon and ligament strains and sprains commonly occur
in the lower limbs of horses, particularly amongst those
that compete. Tendons and ligaments below the knee are
must susceptible to injury and include the superficial
digital flexor tendon, the deep digital flexor tendon,
the accessory ligaments and the suspensory ligament.
Injuries usually result from excessive loading and overstretching,
but may also be due to a direct blow to the tendon area.
Clinical signs of tendon and ligament strains include
swelling, pain, heat and lameness.
Can Equissage help?
Most definitely.
Equissage is a proven therapeutic tool to aid in the
healing of tendon and ligament injuries – that is
why it is present in the yards of so many racehorse trainers,
event, dressage and show-jumping riders.
The deep circulatory massage reaches all parts of the
leg resulting in creasing local blood and lymphatic circulation,
thus reducing inflammation (swelling) easing tired and
stretched muscles and aiding mobility of affected joints.
And of course the same massaging effect actually tones
(and so strengthens) fibres.
(Strains can occur to any part of the horse’s limbs
so a whole list of specific injuries could be listed here
so the heading is a generalisation to indicate the range
of conditions Equissage can assist with.)
Application:
Use the Leg Boot on the outside of the affected leg (with
the rubber cap against the joint if this is the target
area). Turn on for a couple of minutes on a low speed
and then turn up to at least a medium speed for 5-10 minutes.
Ideally treat twice daily until the condition has healed.
Point to Note:
The Equissage Pad should also be used as part of the
warming up and warming down routines particularly with
horses that are more prone to leg problems so that muscles
and ligaments are eased and warmed through prior to exercise
and then also properly relaxed prior to the horse being
stabled or turned out.
For more information please call 0800 072 1180,
email us at info@equissage.co.uk
or request a FREE TRIAL
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