Common Soft Tissue Disorders of the Forelimb

"Bucked Shin" (Dorsal metacarpal disease) ­ Horsemen traditionally refer to the slight inflammation and swelling on the dorsal (upper back) surface of the third metacarpal bone as "bucked shins." At the first indication of swelling or pain, an accurate diagnosis should be made. If caught in the early stages, systemic anti-inflammatory and an intense physical therapy regimen should be undertaken. The goal of a physical therapy regimen is to reduce inflammation and pain while allowing the bone to remodel subsequent to the workload. Initially, cold therapy is indicated until the swelling and inflammatory process is stopped. After this is accomplished, alternate cold and therapeutic heat is indicated.

Desmitis - Any inflammation within the suspensory ligament is referred to as being desmitis. Usually there is a slight swelling within this structure and often a mild lameness. When palpated digitally, there is evidence of pain. When this injury is acute, cold therapy is the first measure to be taken. After 24 hours, alternating cold with infrared heat therapy will speed the healing process. Desmitis of the inferior check ligament is a common disorder in trotters and pacers. Stress on this ligament occurs when an animal is shod with a long toe and low heal to obtain a longer stride. This coupled with an imbalanced situation towards the medial side of the foot results in a significant strain to this ligament.

Tendonitis - Tendonitis is simply any inflammation within the tendon.

Tendosynovitis - Tendosynovitis is any inflammation within the tendon sheath. Horsemen refer to any swelling or inflammation within the flexor tendons on the palmar aspect of the metacarpals as a "bowed tendon". Depending on their location, they are further classified as "high", "middle" and "low" bows. All of these pathological changes are the result of stress, strain and concussive force upon these anatomical structures.

Prevention of these disorders is the key to a sound training program. Regardless of the discipline, pre-exercise warm-up with the Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System Leggings will aid in the prevention of these types of injuries. Therapy sessions using Thermotex will increase blood flow to the tissues, make the tendons more flexible and provide relief to existing soreness.