An estimated 75% of Americans will get hemorrhoids during their lifetimes. It’s an extremely common problem, but the embarrassment surrounding the condition keeps many people from seeking the treatment they need.
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins located in or around your anus. Common signs of hemorrhoids include bleeding with bowel movements, pain, and itching. Hemorrhoids range in size and location, and some can cause significant pain and bleeding.
You shouldn’t ignore anal discomfort. If you think you might have hemorrhoids, get a professional diagnosis for effective pain relief. Ven Kottapalli, MD, CNSP, and our team at GI Physicians Inc. specialize in hemorrhoid care. From conservative at-home treatments to more advanced in-office treatments, we’re here to help ease your hemorrhoid pain.
Many people are embarrassed to admit they have hemorrhoid symptoms, but don’t let embarrassment keep you from going to the doctor. Getting a professional diagnosis is important, especially if you’ve never had hemorrhoids before.
Dr. Kottapalli performs a simple exam to diagnose hemorrhoids, identify their location, and rule out any other conditions before recommending treatment. Small hemorrhoids can generally be treated with at-home methods.
Sitz baths are one of the best ways to relieve hemorrhoid pain. Sit in warm (not hot) water several times a day and after bowel movements to shrink hemorrhoids and ease discomfort.
Other at-home treatments include topical medication like over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, hydrocortisone, or witch hazel. If you’re bothered by lingering pain, Dr. Kottapalli may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers to temporarily improve pain. Always follow usage and safety guidelines on over-the-counter products.
Many people find that at-home care is sufficient to ease their hemorrhoid pain. But larger, more painful hemorrhoids may not respond to conservative treatments. If your treatment plan isn’t making a difference in your discomfort, Dr. Kottapalli may recommend hemorrhoid banding.
Hemorrhoid banding, or rubber band ligation, is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require any incisions. During the procedure, our team wraps a rubber band around hemorrhoids.
The rubber band cuts off circulation to the vein that’s causing hemorrhoids. As a result, hemorrhoids eventually shrink and your symptoms decrease.
Treating your hemorrhoids doesn’t mean you won’t get them again, but there are things you can do to lower your risk of getting hemorrhoids in the future. Eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water each day, because both fiber and water make stools easier to pass and reduce your risk of straining with bowel movements.
You don’t have to suffer hemorrhoid pain in silence. Find relief with expert hemorrhoid care at GI Physicians Inc. Contact our team by phone or online to schedule an appointment.
