Problem: Article: Minor injuries involving wrists strains or sprains can be treated at home.  A strain involves overstretching or pulling a muscle or the tendons that connect that muscle to bone.  A sprain occurs when a ligament is overstretched or torn. Ligaments connect one bone to another bone.  The symptoms of strains and sprains are very similar. You can expect the area to be painful, swollen, and have limited movement of the affected joint or muscle area.  Bruising is more common with a sprain, as well as sometimes hearing a “pop” sound at the time of the injury. Strains involve muscle tissue, so muscle spasms can sometimes occur with a strain. Both strains and sprains respond well to this form of therapy. R I C E stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Try not to use your wrist as much as possible for several days to allow it to start healing. Rest is the most important step in the four areas defined as RICE.  Resting your wrist means avoiding activities with the involved hand. Do not allow your wrist to do any work at all if possible.  This means no lifting of items with that hand, no twisting of your wrist or your hand, and no bending your wrist. This may also mean no writing or computer work, depending on the severity of your wrist injury.  To help your wrist to rest, you may want to consider purchasing a wrist splint. This is especially important if you have a tendon injury. A splint provides support for your wrist and helps immobilize it, to keep you from causing further injury. Wrist splints are available in most drug stores. Applying ice to the injured wrist, the cold temperature works its way through the exterior of the skin and into the deeper areas of soft tissue.  The colder temperatures decrease blood flow to the area and help to minimize swelling and reduce inflammation in the area.  Ice can be applied by using ice placed in a baggie, frozen veggies, or some other form of ice pack. Wrap the icepack, baggie, or frozen veggies in a cloth or towel, and avoid placing frozen objects directly on your skin.  Apply the ice for 20 minutes at a time, then let the area warm to room temperature for 90 minutes. Repeat this process as often as possible, at least two to three times each day, for the first 72 hours after the injury. Compression helps to minimize swelling, provides light stability, and helps to prevent sudden movements that can be painful.  Using an elastic bandage wrap, start at your fingers or hand area, and wrap your wrist. Progress towards your elbow. For the greatest stability and to promote healing, the area should be wrapped from the hand and fingers to the elbow.  This is done to prevent swelling of the lower part of the extremity while it is being wrapped.  Each subsequent wrap should cover 50% of the previous wrapped part of the elastic bandage.  Check to be sure your wrap is not too tight and there are no areas of numbness.  Take the wrap off when it is time to ice the area.  Do not sleep with the wrap on. For some injuries, your doctor may recommend some method of support for your wrist during the night. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor. Elevating your wrist can help to reduce pain, swelling, and bruising. Keep your wrist elevated above the level of your heart when you are applying ice, prior to compression, and when you are resting. It may take as long as four to six weeks for your injury to heal. Keeping the wrist wrapped during this time can allow you to gradually resume your activities, provide support for your injury, and prevent further damage. Gradually work towards resuming your previous level of activity with your injured wrist.  Mild discomfort in working to regain mobility or during reconditioning exercises is normal.  Try taking NSAIDS such as tylenol, ibuprofen, or aspirin for pain as necessary. Any activity that causes pain should be avoided and approached more gradually.  Every person and injury is different. Expect your recovery time to be about four to six weeks.
Summary: Treat your injury at home. Apply R-I-C-E treatments. Rest your wrist. Apply Ice. Compress your wrist. Elevate your wrist. Continue to wrap your wrist beyond the first 72 hours. Resume your normal activity.

Problem: Article: Depending on how your bowel obstruction was treated, you may feel minor pain for a few weeks. Take the pain relief medications that your doctor prescribed or recommended. If the pain doesn't get better or feels worse, contact your doctor. It might be a few months before you feel your energy levels return to normal. Talk with your doctor about specific dietary changes you'll need to make in the days after your obstruction is fixed. Choose soft foods that are easy to digest and limit the amount of fiber you eat. Avoid drinks that are fizzy, which could cause gas or bloating. For example, limit or avoid beer and carbonated sodas. Instead, stay hydrated by drinking water, juice, and tea. You should be able to do light exercises 6 weeks after surgery to fix an obstruction, but talk to your doctor first. Avoid heavy lifting or putting pressure on your abdomen for 6 weeks after treatment for an obstruction. Instead, go for short walks around your house or neighborhood and take frequent rest breaks. Most people return to their normal exercise levels 3 months after the obstruction is fixed.
Summary:
Rest and take pain medication. Eat a low-fiber diet that's gentle on the bowels. Start light exercises when your doctor approves activity.