Acute injuries are defined as injuries that occur in an instant, or suddenly, as opposed to chronic injuries, that occur due to long-term repetition. Injuries that involve falling, getting hit, muscle sprains, fractures or broken bones, and even concussions fall under the category of acute injuries. While some of these injuries can be managed without a medical professional, others may need medical care immediately, especially if it involves a blow to the head or a potential broken bone. When managing acute injuries, the main goals are to reduce pain, and swelling, and decrease the potential for long-term harm to eventually make a recovery. To obtain these goals, doctors recommend several things. The RICE method is a generally safe method to manage certain acute injuries even without a medical professional. It involves resting the injured body part, using ice on the injured area, compressing the injured area with a bandage if needed, and elevating the site above the heart to reduce swelling. It should be noted that this method does not work for every acute injury, and is mostly effective for sprains, and strains. In more severe injuries, doctors may recommend medications or physical therapy depending on the type of injury and its severity, and the individual’s goals or needs. With the large variety of acute injuries in mind, it is always best to speak with a doctor to get direct care for your specific acute injury.

An acute injury is a broad term that encapsulates different types of injuries with no description of severity. What it does define, however, is how the injuries occur. Acute injuries are injuries that occur suddenly, typically following a blow to, or a twist within the body, rather than after long-term repetitive motion, which would define a chronic injury. Acute injuries are typically categorized into the area of the body they affect. Strains, sprains, dislocations, and tears are common acute injuries of the ligaments, tendons, joints, and muscles while breaks and fractures are acute injuries to the bones. Additionally, acute injuries to the head include concussions, skull fractures, and brain contusions, while acute injuries to the spine can involve herniated discs or fractures. These are just some examples of the plethora of possible acute injuries. With this in mind, it is important to contact a doctor if you believe the injury you are experiencing is severe and beyond the scope of your own care.

Acute injuries vary tremendously in terms of severity due to the broad category that the name covers. In short, some acute injuries can be deemed serious while others can be seen as less severe. Acute injuries to the head, such as a concussion or fractured skull, is always severe injury that requires immediate medical attention. An acute injury such as an ankle sprain will be considered less severe by most people’s standards. The intention is not to disregard any person’s pain, however, some cases require more immediate attention due to how quickly certain injuries can escalate and the possible long-term consequences. Because of the wide variety of acute injuries, it is important to contact a doctor, especially in the more severe cases.

Because acute injuries happen suddenly, they can stem from just about any situation, and because of that, the causes of acute injuries will vary tremendously. With that in mind, there are still some common causes of acute injuries that occur. Tripping and falling over and receiving some type of blow are the general causes of many acute injuries. Whether it be a broken or fractured bone, a contusion, or even a concussion, these injuries can all stem from the broad point of a fall or a blow. Additionally, over-twisting and overstretching in a part of the body also commonly lead to acute injuries in the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and tissue. These will typically form sprains, strains, or tears. Keeping the cause of your injuries in mind will be greatly beneficial for doctors to assess the course of treatment.

An acute injury occurs all of a sudden (and often quite dramatically). You can get a bruise, a bone break, or a muscle rupture. It is important to seek medical attention for an acute injury to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 23541 Westheimer Pkwy Suite 160, Katy TX 77494. We serve patients from Katy TX, Cinco Ranch TX, Richmond TX, Houston TX, Cypress TX, Fulshear TX, Memorial City TX, and Sugarland TX, and surrounding areas.