Often overlooked, but incredibly important, the check ligaments play a key role in maintaining soundness and the function of tendons. They are a type of accessory ligament, and help prevent excessive stretching of the Flexor Tendons. There are two primary check ligaments:
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Proximal (Superior) Check Ligament: This ligament originates from the back of the radius, just below the knee, and attaches to the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon. It helps limit overextension of the SDFT and provides additional support to the lower limb.
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Distal (Inferior) Check Ligament: This ligament originates from the back of the knee (carpus) and attaches to the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon. It helps stabilize the DDFT and prevents excessive elongation during movement.
Both ligaments act as "shock absorbers" for the tendons, reducing strain and playing a critical role in supporting the horse's movement, particularly in high-impact activities.
Causes of Check Ligament Injuries
The most common causes of check ligament injuries include:
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Overuse and Repetitive Strain: Equine athletes involved in high-impact disciplines are susceptible to strains due to constant stress on the flexor tendons.
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Environmental: Poor, hard footing places excessive stress on the ligaments and can contribute to injury.
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Trauma: Direct trauma to the limb, such as a kick or fall, can cause acute damage to the ligaments.
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Poor Conformation: Horses with conformational defects may place additional strain on their check ligaments, increasing the risk of injury.
How to Detect a Check Ligament Injury
Check ligament injuries present similarly to other soft tissue injuries. The affected limb will be swollen, painful on palpation, hot, and the horse will be lame on the leg. Mild strains may not present with obvious lameness, but can escalate to severe injury if not addressed.
The best way to diagnose a check ligament injury is through ultrasound.
Recovery and Prognosis
Consult with your vet on the best course of treatment and rehabilitation time for your horse. Best practices for check ligament injuries are:
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Rest and Controlled Exercise: Stall rest, followed by a structured rehabilitation program to reintroduce activity.
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Cold Therapy: Ice boots and/or cold hosing to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain
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Supportive Bandaging: Standing wraps to provide support and minimize swelling
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Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by your veterinarian
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Tendonall: Tendonall Equine is scientifically formulated to aid in the repair and recovery of ligament injuries by stimulating the body's collagen process, healing the injured ligament fibers.
Recovery time varies based on the injury's severity, and mild strains can heal within 4 to 6 weeks with appropriate rest and rehabilitation, while more severe injuries may require 6 to 8 months or more for full recovery.
Prevention is Key
Prevention is always better than treatment. Gradual conditioning, adequate warm-ups and cool-downs, good footing, soft tissue care and support, as well as routine veterinary check-ups can catch minor issues before they cause serious soundness issues.
Tendonall aids in the prevention of injuries by healing minor microtears in ligaments, which can become a serious injury when not addressed. High dose retinols, like Tendonall, strengthen connective tissues, reduce inflammation, and supports recovery in minor strains and injuries from daily use.
Strong, healthy ligaments are essential to your horse's soundness and performance. Tendonall Equine supplements with key nutrients that are needed to support tendon and ligament health, keeping your horse sound and ready to perform.
The Check Ligaments: What They Do and How to Protect Them
Often overlooked, but incredibly important, the check ligaments play a key role in maintaining soundness and the function of tendons. They are a type of accessory ligament, and help prevent excessive stretching of the Flexor Tendons. There are two primary check ligaments:
Both ligaments act as "shock absorbers" for the tendons, reducing strain and playing a critical role in supporting the horse's movement, particularly in high-impact activities.
Causes of Check Ligament Injuries
The most common causes of check ligament injuries include:
How to Detect a Check Ligament Injury
Check ligament injuries present similarly to other soft tissue injuries. The affected limb will be swollen, painful on palpation, hot, and the horse will be lame on the leg. Mild strains may not present with obvious lameness, but can escalate to severe injury if not addressed.
The best way to diagnose a check ligament injury is through ultrasound.
Recovery and Prognosis
Consult with your vet on the best course of treatment and rehabilitation time for your horse. Best practices for check ligament injuries are:
Recovery time varies based on the injury's severity, and mild strains can heal within 4 to 6 weeks with appropriate rest and rehabilitation, while more severe injuries may require 6 to 8 months or more for full recovery.
Prevention is Key
Prevention is always better than treatment. Gradual conditioning, adequate warm-ups and cool-downs, good footing, soft tissue care and support, as well as routine veterinary check-ups can catch minor issues before they cause serious soundness issues.
Tendonall aids in the prevention of injuries by healing minor microtears in ligaments, which can become a serious injury when not addressed. High dose retinols, like Tendonall, strengthen connective tissues, reduce inflammation, and supports recovery in minor strains and injuries from daily use.
Strong, healthy ligaments are essential to your horse's soundness and performance. Tendonall Equine supplements with key nutrients that are needed to support tendon and ligament health, keeping your horse sound and ready to perform.