Forelimb Disorders

Common Carpal (knee) Disorders - The equine athlete places a tremendous amount of concussive forces upon the knee during heavy exercise. This results in carpitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and degenerative joint disease within the joints

Carpitis - an overexertion of the carpus, such as that when a cross country eventer clears a jump and the landing side is sloped away from the jump, results in carpitis. Simply, carpitis is an inflammation within the tissues of the knee.

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from an inflammation and pressure within the carpal canal usually caused by tendonitis of the flexor tendons, inflammation of the superior check ligament or a fracture in this area. As these tissues swell, pressure is applied upon the neurovascular supply to this area which results in a compensated blood flow to the tissues farthest away from the point of origin. This pressure also results in pain to the affected limb.

Degenerative joint disease - DJD of the carpus can be mild in nature to severely debilitating. Repetitive concussive trauma to the joints within the knee results in a thickening and fibrosis of the synovial membrane and joint capsule, a breakdown of the cartilage and subsequent formation of osteophytes on the bony structures. These pathological changes result in a decrease in the ability of the joint to flex through normal range of motion.

Once an accurate diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is assigned, the applications of infrared heat is a convenient method to reduce swelling, alleviate pain and allow a greater elasticity within the tendons and ligaments. The end result of this application of heat is a restoration of the range of motion within the knee.