What is the difference between acute and chronic conditions

Read about the key differences between the main two causes of joint pain: acute injuries and chronic conditions.

When we sustain an injury or develop a condition, it is often categorized as either acute or chronic, although a diagnosis is not necessarily fixed. An acute condition can sometimes become chronic, while a chronic condition may suddenly present with acute symptoms.

There are two different types of chronic conditions: overuse injuries and recurring injuries. Chronic overuse injuries are caused by low-intensity forces of long duration. Examples include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, runner’s knee, tendonitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Chronic recurring conditions are acute injuries that occur multiple times, such as a chronic sprained ankle. One cause of chronic recurring injuries is activity before adequate rehabilitation. Actimove’s Sports Edition range can be well suited for certain types of chronic conditions derived from sports injuries.

Chronic conditions also refer to degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Degenerative conditions may benefit from specialist care. Our Arthritis Care range is specially designed to help people manage joint problems that arise due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. These products include warming technology and to target the specific needs of arthritis.

Sprains

Sprains and strains are injuries to ligaments and tendons and the most common types of acute conditions. These injuries often happen suddenly and involve knocking the joint into an unnatural position during sports or everyday activities or overstretching a particular body part.

For example, you may trip over and break the fall by leaning on your wrist. Overextending this complicated joint can result in a wrist sprain (damage to the soft tissue or ligaments surrounding the joint). Sprains typically result in swelling, pain and bruising and they make it difficult to move as you normally do.

Active people such as athletes and manual laborers who engage in a lot of movement in their everyday life are most at risk from sprains and strains. They are vulnerable to getting these injuries in areas of the body that they use the most; for example, it wouldn’t be unusual for a basketball player to sustain a sprained ankle during their career. However, sprains and strains can happen to anyone, of any age.

Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow and Runner’s Knee

Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and runner’s knee are common chronic injuries that develop over time. You can develop one of these chronic conditions for a variety of different reasons including:

Using incorrect techniques during sports
Pushing your body too far or too fast
Over-extending a body part or joint during a particular motion in an activity

These types of overuse injuries are commonly associated with sports or by engaging in any type of repetitive motion. That is why athletes, painters, carpenters, and plumbers are notably at risk of obtaining these types of chronic injuries.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is when a tendon swells and becomes inflamed. It is usually a short-term, acute injury but can develop into a chronic condition.

Tendonitis is usually caused by sudden, sharp movements or repetitive exercise, such as running, jumping, or throwing. It can cause joint pain and stiffness, as well as affect how the tendon moves.

Tendonitis can also be caused by repetitive movements or having poor posture or technique while at work or when playing a sport. This is known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

Managing acute injuries

Medical professionals often recommend the RICE method for treating acute injuries:

Rest – cease activity and don’t put any pressure on the injury
Ice – apply an icepack to the injury for 20 minutes every few hours
Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury
Elevate – keep the injury raised such as on a pillow

Your doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy alongside the RICE method. You may like to use a support product to provide additional comfort, pain relief, and protection while your acute injury heals. Actimove’s Sports Edition range includes products specially targeted to support your recovery from sprains and sports injuries as part of your overall treatment plan.

Sports Edition products are also good for preventing further re-injury, which is crucial for your long-term health. Using proper equipment and mobilization and stretching exercises before and after activity can help to reduce strain on muscles.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) involves pain in the hands and fingers. It usually progresses slowly and is therefore usually classed as a chronic condition although it is possible to experience acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that happens suddenly.

CTS develops when the carpal tunnel inside your wrist swells and squeezes your nerves resulting in a range of different symptoms include aching, numbness, and tingling. Some people find that their symptoms get worse at night. CTS has number of causes, including engaging in repetitive motions for example, grasping movements with the hands during sports or typing on a keyboard.

Hormonal changes during menopause, pregnancy, or thyroid imbalance can also cause CTS.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints. Common locations for pain, swelling and stiffness are the hands and knees but symptoms can sometimes manifest in different ways. The main two types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to worsen over time without effective treatment. Similarly, osteoarthritis is a long-term condition and cannot be cured, symptoms may remain the same or gradually improve. There are many ways to manage these conditions to support your quality of life.

Managing chronic injuries

For chronic injuries and long-lasting joint pain, a medical professional may recommend a treatment plan specifically tailored to your condition. They may advise you to engage in the first two steps of the RICE method (Rest and Ice), as well as taking anti-inflammatory medication and possible physical therapy. You may also find wearing a support can be helpful for managing your symptoms.

Degenerative conditions such as arthritis need specialist care. Actimove Arthritis Care is a range of supports that aid pain relief for chronic osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These products are specially designed to support your mobility, provide soothing warmth and help with simple, everyday tasks.