An acute injury is a sudden injury that occurs suddenly due to a fall, blow, or twist of a joint. Acute injuries can cause severe pain and may not point to any long-term health issues. They tend to be less common than chronic injuries and can include bruises, fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, and tears. Acute injuries can be more severe than chronic injuries and can cause significant loss of function and swelling. Acute injuries can happen in any sport and can be caused by a specific motion, movement, or activity, such as twisting an ankle during basketball or getting hit during football. The type of injury one is most vulnerable to depends on the type of activity one participates in, age, and sex. Treatment for acute injuries may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.