Tendon injuries in horses are among the most common and challenging health issues for equine athletes and everyday companions alike. Whether your horse is competing in high-level performance events or enjoying leisurely rides, healthy tendons are essential for mobility and longevity. When these connective tissues suffer damage, recovery can be slow and complicated. Understanding the causes and effects of tendon injuries—and how to support recovery—is vital for horse owners looking to keep their equine partners healthy and sound.

Causes of Tendon Injuries in Horses

Tendons are dense, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, helping to transmit the force generated by muscles to allow movement. Because of their role in mobility, tendons are subjected to significant stress, especially in horses that engage in frequent or high-intensity activity. Some common causes of tendon injuries in horses include:

• Overexertion or Fatigue: When horses are pushed beyond their physical limits, their tendons can become overstressed. This is common in performance horses, but even leisure horses can suffer from fatigue-related injuries.

• Improper Footing: Uneven, slippery, or overly hard ground can put unnatural stress on a horse's tendons, increasing the risk of tears or strains.

• Poor Conformation: Horses with naturally poor leg conformation may be more prone to tendon injuries due to the uneven distribution of stress across their limbs.

• Trauma: Accidents such as falls, kicks, or other external trauma can directly damage tendons, leading to tears or inflammation.

• Age and Wear: Over time, the wear and tear on a horse's body—especially in older horses—can make tendons less resilient, increasing the risk of injury.
  
  

Effects of Tendon Injuries

Tendon injuries can range from mild strains to severe tears, and the recovery process can be lengthy and demanding. In some cases, the injury can lead to permanent lameness or reduced performance capability. The effects of tendon injuries include:

• Pain and Swelling: Horses with tendon injuries often exhibit visible swelling and may become lame, avoiding weight-bearing on the affected limb.

• Reduced Performance: Whether your horse is a competitor or a trail rider, tendon injuries can significantly limit their range of movement and overall performance.

• Risk of Re-Injury: Tendon injuries have a high recurrence rate if not properly managed, especially if the horse returns to work before fully healing.

• Long-Term Mobility Issues: Severe tendon damage can lead to chronic conditions such as bowed tendons, which can affect the horse's mobility and overall quality of life.

Supporting Tendon Recovery with Silver Lining Herbs Feet & Bone Support

Proper recovery from tendon injuries requires both time and targeted support. While rest and controlled rehabilitation are crucial, nutritional support plays an equally important role in ensuring tendons heal properly and remain strong. Silver Lining Herbs' Feet & Bone Support is specifically designed to strengthen tendons, ligaments, bones, and other connective tissues, making it an excellent choice for horses recovering from tendon injuries or those prone to them.

How Feet & Bone Support Can Help:

• Strengthening Tendons and Ligaments: Feet & Bone Support contains key ingredients like Boneset, which helps increase blood flow to the periosteum (the membrane that covers bones) and reduces bone and muscle pain. This is crucial for recovery and the long-term health of connective tissues.

• Reducing Inflammation: Ingredients such as Butcher’s Broom and White Willow Bark possess natural anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate pain and reduce swelling, two common symptoms associated with tendon injuries.

• Promoting Tissue Repair: Yucca and Dandelion are high in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which aid in rebuilding and strengthening tendons, ligaments, and bones. These herbs ensure that your horse's structural system has the nutrients it needs for repair and ongoing support.

• Improving Circulation: Kelp and Garlic enhance circulation and prevent bone density loss, promoting the healing of damaged tissues and reducing the likelihood of re-injury.

• Complementary Products: For horses with severe tendon tears, combining Feet & Bone Support with Kidney Support can further enhance recovery by assisting in the detoxification process, reducing inflammation, and maintaining proper hydration, all of which are vital for tendon repair.

Prevention and Maintenance

Beyond recovery, Feet & Bone Support is an excellent supplement for preventative care. Performance horses, in particular, benefit from its ability to strengthen tendons and ligaments, reducing the risk of injury. It also supports the entire structural system, from bones to hooves, ensuring that your horse stays healthy and sound, whether they are in competition or retirement.

Common Issues Addressed by Feet & Bone Support:

• Bowed tendons (recommended pairing with Kidney Support and Infla-aid)
• Stifle injury
• Severe arthritis (pair with Joint & Kidney Support)
• Kissing spine
• Thin soles
• Sore hocks

Silver Lining Herbs' Feet & Bone Support provides a comprehensive solution for horses with tendon injuries and those at risk, offering targeted herbal support to promote healing, reduce pain, and strengthen the body's structural system.

Support Your Horse’s Recovery Today
For horses suffering from tendon injuries or those in need of extra support for tendons and ligaments, Feet & Bone Support is an ideal solution. Learn more about how it can help your horse recover and maintain their health by visiting the product page.