Alberta Health Services
Health Information
Acute pain is short-term pain that starts suddenly, often because of an injury, surgery, or illness. It’s the body’s natural way of telling you that something is wrong and needs help. This type of pain usually gets better as the body heals and the problem is treated.
While acute pain is a normal part of the healing process, it can still be upsetting and affect daily activities. Good pain management, using medicine, rest, and other treatments can help you get better. Getting care early can also reduce the risk of pain lasting longer than it should.
Quick treatment, rest, and care can often help ease sudden pain and support your body's natural healing.
Whether you've had a simple injury, you feel you can manage on your own, or you've seen a healthcare provider, there are many things can do to help your pain at home.
It's common to have some pain after surgery. Pain doesn't mean that something is wrong. But when the pain is strong, it's important to work with your doctor to manage it.
Remember that every child is different and feels pain in their own way, so be patient and gentle with your child to help them feel better.
Opioid medicines can treat pain. If you have moderate to severe pain after an injury or a surgery, your doctor may prescribe an opioid medicine to be used for a short time.
