Acute inflammation of soft tissue typically lasts for how many hours?

Acute inflammation of soft tissue typically lasts for 0-72 hours. This time frame is characterized by the body's immediate response to injury or infection, which includes increased blood flow to the affected area, release of inflammatory mediators, and recruitment of immune cells. Within the first 72 hours, symptoms such as redness, heat, swelling, and pain are most prominent due to this active inflammatory process.

After this period, the inflammatory response begins to transition into the healing phase. While some inflammation can persist beyond 72 hours, the acute phase itself is usually confined to this initial timeframe. As a result, recognizing this period is crucial for effective treatment and understanding the progression of tissue healing. This helps guide therapies that may be used to manage inflammation and promote recovery.