Knee pain in horses is a common problem that requires careful management. In this blog, we discuss causes, symptoms and effective treatment options, including rest, physical therapy and modern techniques such as 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 greatly. It depends on the cause and severity. Generally, knee pain expresses itself in these ways:

• Lameness: this is the most common. The horse may walk stiffly or uncomfortably, especially after resting or starting a new movement;
• 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 scratching out the hooves;
• Stiffness: the horse may walk stiff or rigid, especially after not moving for a while. Consequently, this occurs more often in the morning;
• Aberrant gait: the animal may have difficulty galloping, difficulty turning or only want to walk a certain gait;
• Behavioral changes: pain can lead to changes in behavior, such as acting more irritable, being reserved or even showing aggression.

Is horseback riding stressful for the knee?

Horseback riding itself is not usually stressful to the horse’s knee. However, other factors can affect it. These are things that could potentially cause problems:

• Ground that is too hard or too soft;
• Rider weight;
• Conditioning and training;
• Anatomy of the horse;
• Wrong equipment.

It is important to control the conditions properly. When this is all in order, then horseback riding is not stressful to the knee if the horse is healthy.

What conditions can a horse have on the knee?

There are many different conditions horses can have at the knee. However, there are some that are significantly more common. We explain these conditions for you.

1. Osteoarthritis

This is a joint disorder in which the cartilage deteriorates. It is most common in older animals or if an injury or other condition has occurred in the same place.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

Lameness, stiffness, snapping sound when moving joint.

2. Meniscus injury

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage. It acts as a kind of shock absorber in the knee joint. Injury to the meniscus can be caused by trauma, such as overuse or twisting.

Symptoms of meniscus injury

(Acute) lameness, swelling, difficulty bending.

3. Patella luxation

In a patellar luxation, the kneecap (patella) has shifted out of its normal position. This can be congenital, or it can occur 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. Injury to these ligaments, such as a strain or tear, can occur from sudden movement, a fall or twisting.

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 injury or condition caused by stress on the knees during jumping. This is an umbrella term for several conditions the animal may have. As such, it is not a specific condition. To find out what your horse is suffering from, it is wise to visit a veterinarian or equine veterinarian for this purpose.

What to do about knee pain in horses?

Because there are many different knee problems, there is no telling exactly what you can do about your horse’s knee pain. However, there are a number of options that can be helpful in many cases. We tell you below what 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 do examination by X-ray or other method, and will make a treatment plan based on this.

2. Less exercise and rest

Make sure the horse can rest by limiting movement. For example, it may be wise to let the horse stay in the stall a little longer. After a rest period, it is often possible to slowly build back up to the old pattern.

3. Anti-inflammatories and painkillers

For certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, anti-inflammatories 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 complaint develops, it may be wise to use ice to reduce swelling. Heat therapy, on the other hand, can be helpful in 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. There are laser devices today that you can buy yourself. So you don’t have to go to a specialist for this. We will tell you more about red light therapy for horses later in this article.

6. Physical therapy and rehabilitation

On the vet’s recommendation, the horse can do certain exercises. Also, swimming or walking in water can help strengthen muscles again, without putting pressure on the knees in the process.

7. Diet and supplements

Knee problems can also result from being overweight. Therefore, make sure the 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 good tool for your horse. It is increasingly used as a (complementary) treatment for knee pain or other complaints in horses. It can offer several benefits in treating the knee. Thus, it can provide pain relief, anti-inflammation and promote the healing process. These are some of the ways laser therapy can help your horse:

• Pain relief through the release of endorphins;
• Anti-inflammatory effect;
• Improved blood circulation allowing better supply of nutrients and oxygen;
• Stimulation of cell regeneration, which accelerates the healing process.

Equine laser therapy treatment can also be used as an adjunct to other treatments. In this way, it can provide a faster healing process and pain relief for your beloved pet.

Is there science behind red light therapy?

The use of low level laser therapy, also called red light therapy, is scientifically proven. This therapy uses laser devices with a special frequency of low-level laser light energy. This light creates interactions with the tissues in your body. This reduces pain, swelling, inflammation and various conditions. This therapy can be used in both humans and animals.

What can PowerCure do for your horse?

The PowerCure laser has already helped many horses reduce pain, complaints and conditions. Similarly, we have been able to help several horses with knee pain.

You can purchase the PowerCure (Pro) laser yourself for home use. Thus, your horse does not have to leave the barn for this treatment. And it’s not just a useful tool for your horse. You can use the laser itself, for almost any complaint you have. This makes it a convenient device for everyone in your household!

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