Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable or even extremely painful, making it difficult to live your life as you once did. Not only can they make life difficult, but they can make you feel embarrassed about your condition as well. By learning what causes hemorrhoids and how to get rid of them, you can relieve your symptoms and live comfortably again.
Hemorrhoids are caused by decreased blood flow to your anus and lower rectum. Over time, the veins in this area begin to swell, resulting in pain and discomfort. Hemorrhoids are quite common but can be easily treated at home with diet, topical treatments, and sitz baths. In some cases, you may require minimally invasive surgical treatment.
Hemorrhoid Treatment in Evansville, Indiana
At Evansville Surgical Associates, our team of board-certified surgeons is here to guide you through every step of the treatment process. You can rest assured that you’ll receive the highest quality of care from surgeons at the forefront of the latest surgical techniques.
You can learn more about our physicians here!
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids occur when blood is prevented from circulating to and from the veins in the anus and lower rectum. This creates swollen veins around your anus similar to varicose veins that can develop in your legs. Like with varicose veins, your blood vessels are struggling to pump blood back to the heart, resulting in hemorrhoid symptoms.
Hemorrhoids can result from anything that cuts off blood flow to the area. Risk factors can include problems and behaviors such as chronic constipation, sitting on the toilet for too long, and straining during bowel movements. According to Harvard Health, women who are pregnant have a higher risk since the enlarged uterus presses on these particular veins.
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How To Get Rid of Hemorrhoids
1 in 20 adults in the United States is affected by hemorrhoids with men and women being impacted equally. Because they’re so common, it’s important to know your treatment options if you develop hemorrhoids or have them already.
Your choice of treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. At-home treatments will work if your condition is mild, but severe cases may require surgery.
Hemorrhoids Treatment at Home
Most cases of hemorrhoids can be treated at home. For relief, try these home remedies:
- Fiber supplements
- Hemorrhoid creams
- Ice packs
- Sitz baths
Taking fiber supplements is one of the easiest ways to treat hemorrhoids and support your overall health. You can also get fiber naturally from food such as beans, broccoli, and whole grains. Just make sure to drink plenty of water and add fiber to your diet gradually, allowing your body time to adjust.
Topical treatments such as hemorrhoid creams and ice packs can also help manage your hemorrhoids. Creams contain an anesthetic that soothes your pain without harmful side effects. Applying an ice pack for a few minutes can help reduce pain and swelling, as well. Sitting on cushions and avoiding hard surfaces can also alleviate your symptoms and prevent new hemorrhoids. Combine these treatments with oral pain relievers for maximum pain relief.
Sitz baths are a special bath for your hips and buttocks. They help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms such as irritation, itching, and muscle spasms in the affected area. For the best results, bathe in warm water for 20 minutes after using the bathroom, as well as an extra two or three times throughout the day. Make sure to pat dry the affected area to prevent more irritation.
Surgical Treatment for Hemorrhoids
If at-home treatment doesn’t work then you may require surgery. This could be due to your symptoms not clearing up or becoming worse, such as bleeding or discolored stool. Fortunately, minimally invasive treatments are available that are much less severe than traditional hemorrhoid removal. They require less time in the operating room and allow for faster recovery.
THD Treatment for Hemorrhoids
One form of treatment we offer is THD (transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization). We use a special tool that utilizes Doppler technology to find and treat hemorrhoids at their source without any cutting. We provide this treatment in an outpatient setting.
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Hemorrhoidectomy
For this procedure, small cuts are made around the incision in order to remove it. A local anesthesia may be used to numb the area, or you may be given a general anesthesia to put you to sleep. You may require stitches due to the sensitivity of the area.
Do you need surgical treatment for your hemorrhoids? Call us today at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to schedule your appointment!
Hemorrhoids occur when blood flow to your lower rectum has been greatly reduced. As this goes on, the veins begin to swell, leading to pain and discomfort. Hemorrhoids are a common condition that is often treated with over-the-counter medications and spitz baths. However, surgical treatment may be necessary if your symptoms become too severe.
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231. We are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm if you would like to schedule an appointment.
