Chronic and acute pain

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What is chronic pain syndrome? Chronic pain syndrome is mostly starts with acute pain. The pain of this injury or sickness lasts longer than 6 months. It becomes chronic pain.

A chronic pain syndrome is a combination of chronic pain and secondary complications that make the pain worse. Some of these complications include difficulty sleeping, which leads to poor quality of life and possible job loss.

What is acute pain?

Acute painis pain that lasts less than 3 to 6 months, or pain that is related to soft tissue damage such as ankle pain or a paper cut.

What causes acute pain?

Acute pain may be caused by a physical impact or trauma, which causes soft tissue damage e.g. a fall or being hit by an object. It may also be caused by burns, surgery, labour or child birth.
Acute pain that is not treated may sometimes lead to chronic pain.

How can we treat acute pain?

Like chronic pain, acute pain can be treated with pain medication. If there is an open wound, it may be treated with the appropriate first aid techniques.

What is joint pain or arthritis?

Arthritisis the pain or swelling of the joint. It may be mild or severe. There are 3 most common types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

What is osteo arthritis?

Osteo arthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is caused by wear and tear of the joints over the years, and commonly affects people over 60 years. It affects mainly the spine, hip and knee joints.

What is the treatment for osteo arthritis?

Weight management is an important part of treatment for osteo arthritis. Physiotherapy and exercise helps by strengthening the joints and helping with weight management. Warm baths and heating pads help to alleviate pain. Good footwear and walking aids can help one who is suffering from osteo arthritis.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an abnormal reaction of the body to the joints. The body’s immune system attacks its joints. It may affect muscles, lungs, skin, blood vessels and eyes. It mainly affects the small joints e.g. wrists, hands and feet. Pain and stiffness in the mornings is frequently observed. The affected person may find difficulty in dressing, turning on taps and holding utensils.

What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

Medication for pain and inflammation, as well as medication to control the body’s immune systems are given as treatment. Physiotherapy and heating pads may also help. In later stages, surgery may be required.

What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by high uric acid in the body. Uric acid is formed from the breakdown of proteins we digest. It is removed by the kidneys. In gout, uric acid builds up and forms crystals which are deposited in small joints. Gout is common in men between 30 to 60.
Gout usually affects the toes, especially the big toe. It may also affect fingers, knee, wrists and joints.

What is the treatment for gout?

Medication for pain and inflammation, as well as medication to control the uric acid can help for gout. Dietary modification to cut down on food that contain high amounts of purines e.g. beans, anchovies (ikan bilis), wheat or malt products, beer, organ meat, crabs, cockles, helps tremendously. Food rich in anti-oxidants may help people who suffer from gout. Hot/cold treatment with pads help to alleviate pain in patients with gout.

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