Managing acute pain is often very different from managing chronic pain. For example, some methods like RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) are most effective immediately after an acute injury like an ankle sprain. Some medications, like opioids for example, may be recommended only for short-term use, making them more appropriate to treat acute pain rather than chronic noncancer pain. For these reasons and others, it is important to understand what type of pain you are experiencing and to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options. As we learn more from research about what pain treatment methods are most effective, your doctors might change their recommendations from time to time. For you, it is most important to stay informed and be ready to talk to your doctor to decide what pain management methods work best for you. Check out the links below to learn more about acute pain and different treatment options.