10 Tips to Help You Manage Hemorrhoid Pain
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum and anus that cause pain, itching, bleeding, and irritation. Many of us suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in our lives, but they can be especially painful when they flare up unexpectedly. In order to reduce hemorrhoid pain and continue living your daily life without interruption, it’s important to learn how to manage the symptoms effectively. Here are 10 tips you can use to help reduce hemorrhoid pain so you can feel better fast.
1) Increase Your Intake of Fluid
Drinking plenty of fluids can be a great way to relieve the discomfort and pressure that comes with hemorrhoids. Avoiding drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol will also help. It’s recommended that people who are prone to hemorrhoids drink 8 glasses of water each day and take oral medications that relieve pain, swelling, and urgency (laxatives).
Avoiding constipation is also an important part of treating hemorrhoids. Losing weight and getting regular exercise can help you achieve regular bowel movements, which will reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids in addition to reducing their symptoms once they appear.
2) Try Alternative Therapies
In addition to standard treatments for hemorrhoids, there are many alternative and complementary approaches that have been found effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Talk with your doctor about all the possible options you can consider before making a decision on what is best for you.
In fact, taking a proactive approach with your hemorrhoids before they become a problem can go a long way in ensuring you have fewer flare-ups. Dietary changes and exercise are often all that is needed for mild cases of hemorrhoids. For more advanced cases, complementary therapies can be effective for relieving symptoms.
Acupuncture is a non-invasive approach for reducing hemorrhoids pain, and is known for its ability to promote circulation and healing. Some patients experience immediate relief from just one session of acupuncture. In other cases, several sessions are needed over time in order to achieve optimal results. The treatment usually involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body. Although it may sound painful, acupuncture has been found effective in many conditions such as chronic pain syndromes or nausea after surgery or chemotherapy.
3) Take Supplements
An easy way to reduce the pain caused by hemorrhoids is by taking supplements like Anusol, Anusol Maximum Strength, or Rectal (suppositories). Suppositories are administered internally and work from the inside of your body. They don’t have any known side effects, but if you experience burning or have a fever there might be something else going on and you should see a doctor.
Anusol and Anusol Maximum Strength is taken in tablet form. The difference between these two products is that Anusol has a desensitizing cream as well as lanolin while Anusol Maximum Strength does not. Rectal suppositories are usually prescribed by your doctor, but you can also get them from your local pharmacy if you don’t have a prescription. The only major side effect for suppositories is rectal irritation which can be severe if you accidentally put one in too far.
4) Try Applying Ice Packs or Heat Pads
One way you can ease the pain of hemorrhoids is by applying ice packs or heat pads. These can help reduce swelling in your hemorrhoids and provide relief for any itching or burning. Never put ice directly on your skin; instead, place a cloth between the pad and your skin before applying the cold pack to help prevent frostbite. Once the ice has stopped having any noticeable effect, you should remove it from contact with your body so as not to damage your skin.
Keep in mind that if you’re suffering from internal hemorrhoids, applying ice or heat may cause pain instead of relieving it. Applying something warm can also burn and irritate your anus. Speak with your doctor about what treatment methods will work best for you.
5) Find Relief With Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are by far the most popular way of dealing with hemorrhoids, and for good reason. If used correctly, they can reduce swelling and provide pain relief in a matter of minutes. These treatments can come in a variety of forms including creams, suppositories, ointments and even medicated wipes.
One of the best things about topical treatments is that they’re fast-acting and easy to use. Simply apply them directly where you feel pain or swelling. They’re also far less invasive than other remedies, so they can be particularly useful if you have active hemorrhoids. It’s not uncommon for topical treatments to provide some pain relief within 5-10 minutes of application, though results may vary based on your specific situation.
6) Cushion for Hemorrhoids
inflatable seat cushion for elderly may be interested in using a seat cushion for hemorrhoids as a way to reduce your pain. A seat cushion can be especially helpful if you work at a desk all day, which leads many people to develop hemorrhoids from sitting too long in the same position. Seating cushions are usually small enough that they don’t get in the way of your day-to-day activities.
Many people find them much more comfortable than toilet seats, which is an especially nice benefit if you have hemorrhoids!
Seat cushions are often made with memory foam, and they may even include a gel layer. The goal is to reduce pressure on your bottom while you sit, helping blood flow return to normal as quickly as possible.
7) Exercise Regularly
It’s important to exercise regularly. Sitting in the same position for hours on end can make hemorrhoids more pronounced, and being sedentary will only worsen the discomfort. If you have a job that requires you to sit for long periods of time, try sitting on a chair cushion with ties behind your back that forces you into a different sitting position.
8) Change Positions While Sitting
Positioning yourself in a different way while sitting can help reduce pain and pressure. Some good positions include: placing your feet up on the chair cushions with ties, using a seat cushion for hemorrhoids, switching from sitting on one side of your body to the other, or elevating your pelvis with a pillow. The positions you find the most comfortable will vary depending on what position causes you less pain.
9) Do Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises are an effective way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. If your chair doesn’t have a built-in cushion, a seat cushion can provide relief. These cushions come with ties that secure it in place while you’re sitting and they are available at most pharmacies or department stores.
In addition, experts recommend eating a fiber-rich diet that includes fruits and vegetables. These foods can help reduce pressure in your colon and hemorrhoids. However, avoid constipation by making sure to include plenty of fiber in your diet as well. To combat constipation, take a daily fiber supplement, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. Walking is a great exercise for your colon. Simply increase walking time as you feel comfortable and build strength as needed.
10) Reduce Stress Level
Stress is one of the leading causes of hemorrhoids. Stress causes your stomach muscles to tense up, which puts pressure on your veins and can lead to hemorrhoids. To help relieve stress, try chair cushions with ties or a seat cushion for hemorrhoids while you work or relax in your home.
Other common causes of hemorrhoids include straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, obesity and genetic factors. Do you often feel that you’re constipated? Be sure to drink enough water throughout your day—aim for at least 8 glasses—and get in some extra fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day as well. If these lifestyle changes don’t work, see your doctor about a hemorrhoid cream or other treatment options that may be available.
Conclusion
There are many things you can do to help manage hemorrhoid pain. If these tips are not effective, or if you experience severe bleeding and itching, contact your doctor. With a physician-approved treatment plan, it is possible to reduce the level of pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.