Last updated: Sun, Jun 18, 2017
The inflammation that occurs with a wound like this one is a coordinated sequence of actions that tend to promote healing. The inflammatory chemicals recruit blood flow, immune cells and chemicals that are needed to protect and rebuild the damaged tissue. The increased sensitivity and the continuation of pain promote protection of the injured area.
Inflammation also has a wind-down process. For example, the number of opioid and cannabinoid receptors on sensory neurons is increased during inflammation, and immune system cells that respond to inflammation secrete opioids. As healing proceeds, the effects of inflammation wind down, including hyperalgesia.
Aspirin and other non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen reduce the pain caused by inflammation by preventing the buildup of prostaglandins, which cause pain. However, prostaglandins help the overall healing process by attracting leukocytes (white blood cells) and fibroblasts to the area of injury.