Micki Haendiges is very involved in the Tennessee Walking Horse community and loves spreading her knowledge to help out fellow enthusiasts. She recently wrote an article and was featured in the Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse magazine, Issue: August/September 2009. Click Read More to view the entire article and learn how to treat your joints better while enjoying your Walking Horse.

Is it getting harder to get up on your horse? Does your body ache much more than it did 10 years ago? I think the short answer for me is a "yes". I originally started out with a non-gaited horse and with time, became a great fan of the Tennessee Walking Horse as the best horse for my mind, body and spirit. Let me explain. As a medical doctor, I have seen firsthand the impact of improper body mechanics and physical stress on the joints and muscles of our bodies!

Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder that will cause a local inflammatory reaction to one or more joints. With or without treatment, we can experience crippling results. The most common joint that is affected is the knee. By the age of 70 years, more than 70% of all Americans will have a component of arthritis. Once the knee is affected, it can lead to a disabling effect with decreased mobility and the need for walking assistance. As we get older, poor mobility and pain can increase our risk of a fall that can lead to a hip injury and subsequent nursing home stay and hospitalization.

So, what do we do as horse people? Well, the cause of osteoarthritis is not well known but is certainly associated with an injury, poor or repetitive use of a joint, as well as obesity, especially in the knees and hips.

Studies prove that people who supplement their diet with Omega-3 fatty acids may require less anti-inflammatory medication as well as experience less pain and more joint mobility.

The conventional approach to this disorder is often times lacking with recommendations to rest the affected joint or take an anti-inflammatory medication. If the condition is severe, we are faced with steroid injections or even surgery. We do know that the medications to treat this form of arthritis can certainly cause different medical conditions and problems such as stomach upset and even stomach ulcers.

So, the biggest question is "how do we prevent this condition and if present, how do we treat osteoarthritis?" First let's look at how this form of arthritis has its effect on our joints. Once we understand the mechanism of injury, we might be able to slow the progression, or even better, prevent the condition altogether.

The joint space is a unique part of the body. The bones in this space are covered by a smooth cartilage that prevents the bones from directly touching each other, cuasing pain and friction. Once arthritis sets up, there is an erosion of this shock absorber cartilage and the bones will become pitted and uneven. This will have a painful effect on the joint with swelling and subsequent destruciton of the joint capsule. Once this occurs, the damage has been done but certainly progression can be slowed.

Diagnosis is usually based on the clinical history of the patient as well as supplement X-Rays of the joint capsule. We are able to see narrowing of the joint space as well as irregularities of the bone surface.

In my experience, the basis of disease often starts with our nutrition. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, stated "Let medicine be thy food, and food be thy medicine." When I finished medical school, I took his oath. However, until the recent past I, as well as the majority of my colleagues, ignored this part of the oath.

It is very important to eat a diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and pro-joint nutrients, while restricting the foods that are pro-inflammatory including diets that are high in sugar, high fructose corn syrup, saturated and trans fatty foods! When we speak of a low fat diet, did you know that we might be avoiding key or essential fats, such as Omega-3 fatty acids? These essential fats (not produced by the body) are necessary for the joint to heal. Studies prove that people who supplement their diet with Omega-3 fatty acids may require less anti-inflammatory medication as well as experience less pain and more joint mobility. These fats are found in cold water fish or even in supplements. There are many other sources.

There is also some excellent research on the supplementation of hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, and green tea extract. Just consider the next time that you are shopping, you might want to consider getting something special for your knees. Remember, they have been your friend your entire life and you certainly want to take care of them. There may be some interactions of some supplements with your prescription medications. As always, please consult your physician before taking any new supplements. Take care of your friends and continue riding your Walking Horse. Exercise is the key to joint mobility. Keep moving, keep riding!