Stifle Pain and Swelling in Horses | Causes, Care, and When to Call the Vet

 

Hind End Soundness

Stifle Pain & Swelling In Horses

Stifle trouble can show up as swelling, stiffness, clicking, weakness, or that “slipping” feeling behind. This guide helps you understand what stifle pain really means, what patterns matter most, and when swelling is a sign of deeper joint or soft tissue issues.

What You Are Seeing

What Stifle Pain Really Means

The stifle is like the horse’s knee — a major weight-bearing hinge joint. Trouble here affects balance, push, and engagement. Swelling or clicking signals that soft tissues, the patella, or joint capsule are under stress.

Some horses have mild, recurring stifle weakness. Others present suddenly with swelling, skipped steps, or a “stuck” stifle.

A horse with stifle pain often looks uneven behind long before they limp. Early recognition is everything.
Why It Happens

Common Causes Of Stifle Pain & Swelling

  • Soft Tissue Strain involving the patellar ligaments, collateral ligaments, or supporting muscles.
  • Joint Effusion due to irritation of the joint capsule, often after harder or uneven work.
  • Upward Fixation of the Patella (locking stifle) causing catching, dragging, or “sticking.”
  • Stifle Weakness from lack of strength, rehab, or hind end imbalance.
  • Arthritis in the femoropatellar or femorotibial joints.
  • Trauma from slipping, pulling back, or a blunt impact.
  • Infection or Cellulitis causing sudden, hot, severe swelling.

Not all stifle swelling means injury — but any swelling paired with gait changes deserves attention.

Real Rider Routine

A Three Step Plan For Mild, Cool Stifle Swelling

This plan is for sound horses with mild swelling, stiffness, or weakness — always follow your veterinarian’s guidance.

Step 1

Encourage Strength & Straightness

Hill work, walking poles, and controlled backing help activate the quadriceps and supporting stifle muscles. Start small and build.

Step 2

Thoughtful Warmups

Longer, slower warmups reduce stifle strain. Serpentines, big circles, and straight lines help the joint glide smoothly.

Step 3

Support Soft Tissue Comfort

Comfort routines support ligaments and joint capsules that are prone to irritation during training or conditioning.

Balanced stifles build balanced horses. Comfort helps your horse use their hind end correctly and confidently.
Explore Products
Where Our Products Fit

How Riders Use Draw It Out® Around The Stifles

  • Draw It Out® 16oz Gel for the stifle region, gaskin, and surrounding soft tissues before and after work.
  • Draw It Out® RTU Spray for broad coverage across the hind end after long or intense sessions.
  • CryoSpray Cooling Body Brace when cooling is appropriate following heavy conditioning.
  • MasterMudd™ EquiBrace for deeper, targeted soft tissue support with veterinary direction.

Stifle Pain & Swelling — FAQ

What are the first signs of stifle pain

Early signs include toe-dragging, stiffness backing up, uneven push from behind, clicking sounds, or mild swelling above the stifle.

Is stifle swelling always serious

Not always. Some mild, cool swelling can come from fatigue or minor strain. Heat, pain, locking, or lameness are the true red flags.

What causes a locking stifle

A locking stifle (upward fixation of the patella) occurs when the patella catches on the femur, often due to weakness, straight hind-leg conformation, or rapid growth in young horses.

Can I ride a horse with stifle pain

No. Riding through stifle pain worsens strain and risks bigger soft tissue injuries. Only ride once your veterinarian confirms it is safe.

How does Draw It Out® help stifle issues

Draw It Out® topicals support surrounding soft tissues, helping horses stay more comfortable during training or recovery. They do not replace diagnosis or veterinary treatment.

This guide is for education only. If your horse shows heat, pain, sudden swelling, locking episodes, reluctance to bear weight, or fever, contact your veterinarian immediately.