Inflammation, sometimes accompanied by pus formation, also occurs in response to bacterial infections. It both confines and combats such infections as well as stimulating healing

The single most important step in the management of inflammation is the removal or reversal of its cause and, in addition, reduction of swelling to relieve pain, improve mobility and encourage healing.

Symptoms typical of inflammation include the following:

• Swelling caused by accumulation of fluid.
• Redness caused by increased blood flow.
• Local rise of temperature, caused by increased blood flow around the injured area.
• Tenderness on touching the affected area.
• Impaired function of the affected part because of swelling and tenderness.

Inflammation often begins unnoticed and, initially, pain and stiffness may decrease or even disappear after warm-up. Usually, however, the pain returns and intensifies during continued activity and unless a rest break is taken, there is a great danger of entering the 'pain cycle'. Unless the cycle is interrupted, chronic pain results and can be extremely difficult to treat.

Pain should be interpreted as a warning sign of tissue injury and should lead to a rest from activity.