Acute - What is Acute Pain or Acute Injury

Definition: The term acute is often used to describe a type of injury (or illness) that is of rapid onset and progression but of a limited duration. These types of injuries are usually the result of a specific impact or traumatic event to the body.

Acute injuries often require immediate medical attention, including first aid treatment with rest, ice, compression and elevation, or R.I.C.E.

Acute pain, or pain that is of immediate onset, often goes hand in hand with an acute injury. Some examples of acute injuries: