An unhappy triad is, well, not such a happy condition! It got its name because it involves an acute injury to the three ligaments supporting the knee—the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the medial meniscus and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). Sometimes also called a blown knee, the unhappy triad is the result of some kind of tear to each of these ligaments.
When you’ve experienced this injury, you’re going to need the support of a leading Brampton physical therapy clinic like Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic. Our experienced team of medical experts is ready to help you on the road to recovery. Here’s a closer look at what happens when you have an unhappy triad and how we’ll work with you to begin the healing process.
How was the knee injured?
Typically an unhappy triad or blown knee is the result of a serious injury experienced during some type of physical activity. Contacts sports like rugby, basketball and football can provide the level of force needed to seriously damage the knee. Another possibility is a traumatic event, such as a car accident.
The bottom line is that if the foot is fixed on the ground but the knee twists excessively, ligaments will be torn. When this happens, expect that the severe and lasting pain of a blown out knee will follow.
Symptoms and treatments
Here’s what to expect if you do in fact have a blown knee or unhappy triad:
- Swelling of the knee due to inflamed tissue—this swelling will set in quickly and be severe
- Knee movement will result in severe knee pain
- Knee stiffness and difficulty moving through full range of motion
- After a couple of days, bruising may appear
- A lack of knee stability
Luckily, you have plenty of treatment options for an unhappy triad. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. However, other, less invasive options are also available. Begin by applying ice to the knee and getting plenty of rest. Support the knee and keep it elevated to encourage healing blood flow. You should also discuss physical therapy options with a medical expert, as strengthening the surrounding muscles is critical to recovery.
Visit a physical therapy clinic in Brampton
If you’re choosing between Brampton physical therapy clinics, the best way to go is by scheduling an appointment with Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic. Our seasoned team of experts is ready to help you with a treatment approach focused on education, manual therapy, acupuncture and exercise. We’re committed to offering high-quality services to support patient recovery and wellness.
We’ve been recognized as the leading manual therapy-based treatment center in the Brampton region, and expect to continue to be for years to come. Our clinic is the trusted choice for athletes, insurance companies, physicians and residents from around the area. We intend to be at the cutting edge of manual therapy and continue to be heavily involved in community events establishing ourselves as an important part of the Brampton area. Contact us now to learn more, or for a free consultation!