Pain in the Foot!

Reduce Pain from Pedal Osteitis Naturally

 What is Pedal Osteitis?

Pedal osteitis is the demineralization and inflammation of the coffin or pedal bone. Usually occurring in the forelimbs, it often affects both legs simultaneously, which can often make your horse appear sound. Diagnosed through X-rays and nerve blocks, this lameness may be chronic or acute, caused by hard ground. The symptoms range from mild to severe, and some horses may need to be “nerved.” This process removes the pain but does not address the underlying cause, which is largely untreatable. Stall rest, mineral supplements, and anti-inflammatories such as Bute are often prescribed by veterinarians to manage the symptoms.

What causes pain?

Pain is caused by the inflammation surrounding the pedal, or coffin bone. This inflammation presses on the nerves and creates shooting pain in the animal, traveling up to its poll. To reduce the pain we must reduce inflammation.

Natural Methods to Reduce Inflammation

Stall Rest with Soft Footing

Hard ground puts a lot of pressure on the hoof and the pedal bone. Limited movement with ample solid footing with a slight give in the stall is best for your horse.

 Poultice

A popular and effective method of reducing inflammation and drawing out toxins, poultices have been used on horses for hundreds of years. The Horse Herbalist has written an informative guide to make your own poultice, with suggestions for ingredients. Ready-made poultices, such as Sore No-More® Cooling Clay Poultice, are available online or in many tack stores.

Corrective Shoeing

Instead of having an open back like a traditional horseshoe, egg bar, and heart-bar shoes form a complete oval to give support to the heel by raising it slightly and taking pressure off the back of the foot. These shoes can be made from traditional metals, or from synthetic materials (both Epona Shoe and Easy’s Slipper make such products). Attach pads to help support and cushion the hoof so it does not have contact with the ground.

 Diet and Supplements

Simple sugars can cause inflammation. It is best to feed your horse a diet low in simple sugars, removing grains and lush grass while symptoms persist. Mature grass and soaked hay are low in sugar and best to prevent inflammation and impaction colic.

There are an increasing variety of supplements on the market to reduce inflammation without medication. Examples include (but are not limited to) Finish Line™ Easywillow® Pain Management, Absorbine® Bute-Less® Pellets, and Devil’s Claw Plus.

 Green-lipped Mussel

Green-lipped mussel is an excellent anti-inflammatory and superb for supporting joint health and wellness. Found exclusively in the harbors of New Zealand, this superfood is harvested and flash ground to powder within 30 minutes for maximum efficacy. It is also easy to feed as a powdered supplement in your horse’s food. It is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which supports joint health and reduces inflammation and toxins naturally.

 Chinese Herbs for Pain Relief

Chinese herbs are increasingly popular in homeopathic remedies and from integrative veterinarians. According to Pet MD, the most popular Chinese herbs for pain relief include:

  • Turmeric
  • Boswellia Serrata
  • Cinnamon
  • Hawthorn

Other useful herbs for pain relief include:

  • Feverfew
  • Skullcap
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Cayenne
  • Ginger
  • Yucca

CBD Oil

Cannabidiol hemp oil (CBD oil) also known as Phytocannabinoid-rich oil (PCR oil) is derived from medical grade hemp with trace amounts of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). PCR oil has scientifically proven anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties making it ideal for animals in chronic pain. It does not need to build on itself to work and can be used every day or occasionally. This is not marijuana. But, you must make sure you source it from a quality company. PCR oil for horses is available in liquid or gel cap form.

Essential Oils for Pain Relief

Essential oils are distilled from medicinal plants and available condensed. Because of their strength, a little goes a long way. They should always be diluted with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, olive oil, or hemp oil. They can be used internally in your horse’s water or topically on the hoof wall and leg.

Here are some examples, chosen for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties:

  • Cannabis
  • Peppermint
  • Turmeric
  • Copaiba
  • Ginger
  • Frankincense
  • Clove
  • Lemongrass
  • Rosemary

 Holistic Therapies for Pain Relief

The following therapies treat the entire horse by stimulating blood flow and reducing pain and inflammation throughout the entire body. These therapies may be used alone or in conjunction with each other.

Sports Massage

Sports massage uses the hands, fingers, and elbows to increase circulation, loosen synovial fluid in the joints, and remove toxins from the body. Using acupressure points, an equine sports massage therapist will find, treat, and remove muscle spasms and reduce inflammation, thus stimulating endorphins to relieve pain.

          Acupuncture

credit ©Heather Wallace)

Originating in China and dating back more than 3,000 years, acupuncture is the use of small needles to remove blockage of chi, or energy, to improve health. The idea is to create balance in the body. Focusing on acupuncture points throughout the entire body, acupuncture stimulates blood flood and healing, while also releasing endorphins.


 Magnawave Therapy

 uses focused vibration of varying intensity to stimulate cell regeneration at the cellular level. This therapy treats the whole horse and reduces inflammation and removes toxins in a non-invasive manner. Using a hose draped over specific areas, muscles contract and stimulate acupuncture points. Approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is pending and certification is required.  

The pain and symptoms of pedal osteitis may be relieved with these natural methods. Always consult your veterinarian before trying a new therapy or if you have questions related to your animal’s health.

References

http://thehorseherbalist.com/make-your-own-poultice

https://www.doversaddlery.com/sore-no-more-cooling-clay-poultice/p/X1-22376/

https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/4-herbs-joint-pain-and-inflammation-pets

About Heather Wallace

Heather Wallace, ESMT, CCMT, is a certified equine and canine sports massage therapist, co-owner of Bridle & Bone Wellness, and equestrian and canine blogger at Bridle & Bone.  Her blog discusses important topics on natural health and wellness for horses and dogs. She is an adult amateur equestrian in unrequited love with an OTTB and has two rescue dogs always up to no good. Follow Heather on social media @bridleandbone or at www.bridleandbone.com.