US Medical Term · symptoms
Acute Pain
Dolor agudo
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Acute Pain |
| Spanish (Español) | Dolor agudo |
| Chinese (中文) | 急性疼痛 |
| Korean (한국어) | 급성 통증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đau cấp tính |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Acutong sakit |
| Portuguese (Português) | Dor aguda |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อาการปวดเฉียบพลัน |
| Japanese (日本語) | 急性疼痛 |
What it means
Acute pain is pain that comes on suddenly and has a clear cause, such as an injury, surgery, or infection. It is typically sharp or intense and acts as a warning signal that the body has been harmed or is at risk. Acute pain is short-term—it usually lasts from a few minutes to about three months—and improves as the underlying cause heals. Common examples include a broken bone, a sprained ankle, or post-surgical pain. Acute pain is usually treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation, and pain medications. If acute pain does not improve within the expected timeframe, or grows worse, it may transition to chronic pain and requires further evaluation.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have sudden severe pain in my ankle after twisting it during exercise.
Tengo un dolor severo repentino en el tobillo después de torcerlo durante el ejercicio.
The pain started right after I lifted a heavy box and it is very intense.
El dolor comenzó justo después de levantar una caja pesada y es muy intenso.
I need something for pain right now; I just hurt my wrist in a fall.
Necesito algo para el dolor ahora mismo; acabo de lastimarme la muñeca al caerme.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026