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Knee pain in horses: 7 things you can do about it

Knee pain in horses is a common problem that requires careful management. In this blog post, we discuss the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options, including rest, physical therapy, and modern techniques like red light therapy. Learn how to recognize, prevent, and treat knee problems so your horse stays healthy and pain-free.

What are the symptoms of knee pain in horses?

The symptoms of knee pain in horses can vary widely, depending on the cause and severity. Generally, knee pain manifests as follows:

Lameness: This is the most common condition. The horse may walk stiffly or awkwardly, especially after resting or when starting a new exercise.
Swelling: Swelling may indicate inflammation or injury in the joint;
Difficulty bending: the horse may have difficulty bending the knee, especially when lifting the legs such as when picking out the hooves;
Stiffness: The horse may walk stiffly or rigidly, especially after not having moved for a while. This is more common in the morning.
Abnormal gait: the animal may have difficulty galloping, have difficulty turning, or only want to walk at a certain gait;
Behavioral changes: Pain can lead to changes in behaviour, such as becoming more irritable, more reserved, or even showing aggression.

Is horse riding stressful for the knee?

Riding itself usually doesn't put any strain on a horse's knee. However, other factors can influence it. These are things that can potentially cause problems:

Surface too hard or too soft;
Rider's weight;
Condition and training;
Anatomy of the horse;
Wrong equipment.

It's important to monitor the conditions carefully. If everything is in order, riding shouldn't put any strain on the knee if the horse is healthy.

knee pain in horses horse in pasture — Source: Unsplash

What knee conditions can a horse have?

There are many different knee conditions that horses can suffer from. However, some are significantly more common. We'll explain these conditions for you.

1. Osteoarthritis

This is a joint disorder in which the cartilage deteriorates. This is especially common in older animals or after an injury or other condition has occurred at the same site.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

Lameness, stiffness, cracking sound when moving the joint.

2. Meniscus injury

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage. It acts as a shock absorber in the knee joint. Injuries to the meniscus can occur from trauma, such as overuse or a twist.

Symptoms of meniscus injury

(Acute) lameness, swelling, difficulty bending.

3. Patellar luxation

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap (patella) shifts out of its normal position. This can be congenital, but it can also result from trauma.

Symptoms of a patellar luxation

Irregular movement, 'buckling' of the leg while walking, (sudden) lameness

4. Sprain or tear of ligaments

The knee is stabilized by several ligaments. Injuries to these ligaments, such as a sprain or tear, can occur due to a sudden movement, a fall, or a twist.

Symptoms of a ligament strain or tear

Acute pain, swelling, severe lameness.

What is a jumping knee in a horse?

A jumping knee refers to an injury or condition caused by the stress on the knees during jumping. This is a collective term for various conditions the animal can suffer from. It is not a specific condition. To determine what your horse is suffering from, it's wise to visit a veterinarian or equine doctor.

What to do about knee pain in horses?

Because there are so many different knee complaints, it's impossible to say exactly what you can do to address your horse's knee pain. However, there are several options that can often be helpful. Below, we'll explain the steps you can take.

1. Consult a veterinarian

The first step you should take is to consult a veterinarian or equine veterinarian. This is the only way to diagnose a condition. The veterinarian will examine the horse using x-rays or another method and develop a treatment plan based on the results.

2. Less exercise and rest

Allow the horse to rest by limiting its movement. It might be wise to let the horse stay in the stable a little longer. After a rest period, it can often gradually return to its previous routine.

3. Anti-inflammatories and painkillers

For certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers may be prescribed. This often helps cure certain conditions or improve quality of life.

4. Cold and heat therapy

In the first 48 hours after the onset of the problem, it may be wise to use ice to reduce swelling. Heat therapy, on the other hand, can be helpful for chronic knee problems to reduce stiffness.

5. Red light therapy

Red light therapy uses red light to promote healing and reduce pain, symptoms, and inflammation. Nowadays, there are laser devices you can purchase yourself, so you don't need to see a specialist. We'll explain more about red light therapy for horses later in this article.

6. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

As recommended by the veterinarian, the horse can do certain exercises. Swimming or walking in water can also help strengthen muscles without putting pressure on the knees.

7. Diet and supplements

Knee problems can also be caused by excess weight. Therefore, ensure your horse maintains a healthy weight. Supplements such as glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can also help support joint health.

Knee pain in horses and low-level laser therapy

Low-level laser therapy can be a valuable tool for your horse. It's increasingly used as a (supplemental) treatment for knee pain and other equine complaints. It can offer several benefits in treating the knee, including pain relief, reduced inflammation, and promoting the healing process. Here are some ways laser therapy can help your horse:

Pain relief through the release of endorphins;
Anti-inflammatory effect;
Improved blood circulation resulting in better supply of nutrients and oxygen;
Stimulation of cell regeneration, which ensures a faster healing process.

Laser therapy for horses can also be used as a complement to other treatments. This can ensure a faster healing process and pain relief for your beloved animal.

Red light therapy and science

The use of low-level laser therapy, also known as red light therapy, has been scientifically proven. This therapy uses laser devices with a specific frequency of low-power light energy. This light interacts with the tissues in your body, reducing pain, swelling, inflammation, and various conditions. This therapy can be used on both humans and animals.

What can PowerCure do for your horse?

The PowerCure laser has already helped many horses reduce pain, complaints, and ailments. We've also helped several horses with knee pain.

Experiences

You can purchase the PowerCure (Pro) laser for home use. This way, your horse doesn't have to leave the stable for this treatment. And it's not just a handy tool for your horse. You can use the laser yourself, too, for virtually any ailment you have. It's a handy device for everyone in your household!

Want to learn more about the PowerCure (Pro) laser and how it can help your horse? Then take a look here.

Shop the PowerCure laser here

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