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Acute arthritis is not a disease but a medical condition describing sudden joint pain or inflammation. Read below to learn how the condition arises, its causes, and its impact.

"Acute arthritis is not a disease itself but rather a term used to describe sudden inflammation or pain in a joint. This usually occurs as a result of an injury or a pre-existing condition that makes the joint respond rapidly with swelling, redness, and pain," explained Dr Arya.

One of the most common triggers is injury, such as a sprain, strain, or fracture. When you fall heavily on your knee or twist an ankle severely, the soft tissue (ligaments, tendons, cartilage) and bones in the joint area may be injured. This injury inflames the joint lining and causes inflammation, resulting in sharp pain and stiffness.

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Joint injuries are often seen after falls, blows, or overexertion of the joints due to repetitive motions, especially common among fitness enthusiasts and athletes. They are often the most common culprits for acute arthritis, causing pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.

Exacerbation of chronic conditions like arthritis, which can either be primary arthritis (osteoarthritis) or secondary arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis and gout), can also result in the sudden onset of pain. 

Both types can cause sudden pain if the joint is injured or inflamed quickly.

It’s easy to shrug off joint pain as 'just a sprain' or 'getting old,' but ignoring it can have lasting consequences. Acute joint pain can:

• It may affect other parts of the body if caused by systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
• In short, acute joint pain is a warning sign your body needs help, and delaying treatment can make things worse.

"If your joint pain occurs after a severe injury or is followed by swelling, redness, fever, or difficulty moving the joint, you need to consult an orthopaedic expert early. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment can avoid causing permanent damage and have you back on your regular activity sooner," advised Dr Arya.

[ This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]