Acute Vs. Chronic, Knowing the Difference

Does your knee pain hit you out of nowhere? Or has it been hanging around for what feels like forever?

Not sure if you should rest, stretch, or call for help?

You’re not alone—knee pain can be confusing. But understanding whether it’s acute or chronic can help you figure out the best next step.

Acute Knee Pain: The Sudden Sting

Acute knee pain usually happens quickly. It might be the result of a fall, a sudden twist, or overexertion 
during physical activity. The pain is often sharp and specific, and it’s commonly linked to soft tissue injuries—like strains or sprains.

Your muscles may tighten up, and moving your leg could become difficult. While this type of pain can be frustrating, it’s typically short-term. With rest, rehab, and proper care, most people recover well from acute injuries.

Chronic Knee Pain: The Lingering Ache

Chronic pain, on the other hand, tends to stick around—and often stems from an old injury that was never fully addressed. A high school sports injury, for example, could’ve damaged a meniscus, and years later it’s become a constant source of soreness or stiffness.

Many people in Ann Arbor live with this kind of knee pain every day. It may seem more debilitating than it really is—but sometimes, all it takes is learning to trust your body again and strengthening it the right way.

Learn about how you can treat your pain, acute or chronic, in our latest article.  

Knee Pain Ann Arbor: Let’s Get You Moving Again

Whether your pain is fresh or familiar, we’re here to help at The Bridge Chiropractic. We take a closer look at what’s really going on and create a plan to get you moving comfortably again.

Tired of dealing with knee pain?

 📞 Call us at 734-929-4060 or book your appointment online today. Let’s get to the root of your knee pain in Ann Arbor—and get you back on your feet.