Acute pain is a type of pain that typically comes on suddenly and is usually caused by something specific. It tends to have a distinct cause and can last a few seconds to several weeks or months. Acute pain is a normal response that alerts you to possible injury and the need to take care of yourself.

It's different from chronic pain, which persists for longer periods and might not have a clear cause. Acute pain will go away once the underlying cause has been treated or healed properly.