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Joints Under Pressure
A flexible, pain-free athlete is a winning athlete. Appropriate levels of synovial fluids in the joints allow equine athletes to attain the smooth, energetic action demanded of hard-working performance horses. Over time, however, wear and tear on the joints, especially in the legs, causes a breakdown in the synovial fluid viscosity that lubricates and helps to cushion pressure on bones, cartilage and ligaments. Normally, the body produces enough hyaluronic acid to replace and sustain synovial fluid as needed. However, with age and the ongoing strain of demanding athletic endeavors, fluid levels often decrease. Bones begin to rub together, and cartilage and ligaments may be damaged.
Maintaining Healthy Joints
In the past, horse owners and trainers had few choices but to wait until their horses exhibited signs of pain and discomfort before seeking veterinary attention. Upon proper diagnosis, the most common treatment included injections of hyaluronic acid administered by the veterinarian directly into the affected joint or joints. Although highly effective, such injections are expensive, can be inconvenient and carry some risk. Furthermore, injection treatments often are given only after the joint has suffered enough damage that pain becomes apparent. Now, owners and trainers can get a jump start on prolonging joint health by administering hyaluronic acid orally to their horses using Hagyard Flex-tra products. |
