We’ve all had the experience of a quick and sharp jolt of pain. Fortunately, it’s usually the result of stubbing a toe or taking a sudden spill on a slippery surface. These are easily explained and are usually no cause for alarm.
However, there are times when sudden, unexplained pain may require seeing a doctor or perhaps a visit to the emergency room. We’ll explore a few different types of sudden pain and the possible causes.
Abdominal Pain
Pain in the abdomen can come from a variety of causes. The most likely culprit is gas. But sudden and severe pain in the abdominal region could be a sign of acute pancreatitis. Extreme pain in the belly that worsens over hours and is focused in the lower-right abdomen area could be appendicitis, a life-threatening condition.
Painful Urination
Pain during or after urination could be a sign of gonorrhea. Specifically for women, painful urination could be caused by a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). Both of these issues need to be diagnosed by a doctor.
Toe Pain
If you experience sudden severe toe pain and you haven’t just injured it, this could be caused by gout. This type of arthritis is caused by an abundance of uric acid in the blood. Although most common in the big toe, gout can also cause pain in the ankle or knee.
Seek Medical Advice
Only a doctor or trained healthcare professional can diagnose the causes of sudden, severe pain. What you think could be common gas from overeating may be something more sinister. It’s up to the individual whether to seek immediate care or to make an appointment with their primary care provider.
