Redness, swelling, and pain can be uncomfortable, but they’re usually signs that your body is working hard to heal itself. When you’re exposed to bacteria and viruses, your immune system starts working against the invaders. One of the most important immune responses to these invaders is inflammation. Inflammatory cells are released by your immune system in an effort to trap bacteria and other unwanted substances. Inflammation also aims to repair and heal damaged tissue. This can be a painful process, but it’s a vital one. Sometimes, however, your immune system triggers this response when there isn’t anything to fight against. This type of inflammation can cause significant pain and make it difficult to go about your daily life. The discomfort can be made even worse if it turns into a chronic condition.

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