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Is It an Acute or Chronic Injury?

Last updated: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | 3 min reading time

Dr Tan Chyn Hong

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Do you have an acute or chronic injury?

Our orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Tan Chyn Hong shares the difference between acute and chronic injuries, so you can seek the right treatment.

Signs of an acute injury

Acute injuries occur suddenly and are associated with trauma such as cracking a bone or tearing a muscle. They can be severe, identified through some of the symptoms below:

Extreme limb weakness
Inability to move a joint through its range of motion
Sudden severe pain
Inability to place weight on the area
Extreme tenderness in the area
Visible discolouration or deformity

When to seek urgent medical attention for an acute injury

Head to the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) to seek appropriate treatment if you experience the below symptoms.

Visible deformities such as large lumps, or limbs bent at strange angles
Popping or crunching sounds when you try to move the injured area
Inability to support any weight with the injured area
Severe swelling and pain
The joint near injured area feels unstable
Trouble breathing
Dizziness
Fever

Signs of a chronic injury

A chronic injury, or overuse injury, develops when you experience pain for more than 12 weeks. It can arise from repetitive minor strains or poor healing of a previous acute injury.

For chronic injuries, pain tends to be at a lower level with no bruising or discolouration of skin. Other symptoms include:

Swelling
Pain when performing activity
Dull ache

When to seek medical attention for a chronic injury

Chronic injuries usually present with milder symptoms compared to acute injuries. However, you should see an orthopaedic specialist if your injury does not improve with home treatment and you continue to experience any of the following after the first few weeks:

Condition does not improve with home treatment
Discolouration
Visible bruising
Swelling
Pain

When to seek urgent medical attention for a chronic injury

A chronic injury can sometimes become urgent if symptoms worsen suddenly. Seek prompt medical care at an Urgent Care Centre (UCC) if you experience:

Sudden and severe pain
Visible deformity
Inability to move the limb
Dizziness
Fever

Need urgent medical care in Singapore?

Our Urgent Care Centre (UCC) is here for you — around the clock, around the corner. Get timely treatment and support 24/7, all day, every day of the year. Learn more about our waiting times, fees, ambulance options, and other services here.