Can an Anal Fistula Heal on Its Own?
Anal fistulas form when an abscess affects the anal area. An anal fistula is a tunnel between the skin of the buttocks and the anal canal. The condition can be painful—but can it heal on its own?
Running with Hemorrhoids
What do Beijing, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Dubai, Gold Coast, London, NYC, Prague, and Tokyo have in common? In addition to being home to the world’s top 10 marathons, they’re home to hemorrhoids….hundreds and hundreds of hemorrhoids.
Running with hemorrhoids can be a painful experience for some. Understanding what hemorrhoids are, and why running can increase your chances of getting them can help you find a solution that won’t keep you away from the finish line.
Important message to all sneaker jocks out there: Running in itself does not cause hemorrhoids.
What are hemorrhoids? They are cushions of vascular tissue in the anal canal, and can be very painful when they flare up. There are two kinds of hemorrhoids—internal and external. Few runners are aware that around 50 percent of adults have hemorrhoid symptoms. They can hurt, bleed, itch, and oftentimes are especially irritating for athletes. Although hemorrhoids are not generally life threatening, you should still see a colon & rectal specialist if you are experiencing bleeding to rule out serious illness, such as colon cancer.
Colon Cancer is the #2 cancer killer, yet it’s preventable.
What causes runners to have hemorrhoid symptoms? Increased pressure and engorgement of hemorrhoids can be the culprit. Marathon running stresses the gastrointestinal system, and runners often experience flatulence, runners’ diarrhea, excessive sweating, and other aggravations. Let’s be clear: running does not cause hemorrhoids. However, several dynamics associated with long distance running may trigger hemorrhoid symptoms—constipation is common with marathoners who tend to skimp on water consumption. This creates hard stool that makes straining in the bathroom a problem—hard stool puts pressure on the hemorrhoids during bowel movements and inflames this tissue.
Exercise actually offers therapeutic value to hemorrhoid sufferers because it increases intestinal muscle contractions. This can help promote regular, easier bowel movements. Exercise can also help you lose weight that may be contributing to your hemorrhoid symptoms.
If hemorrhoids are forcing you to consider hanging up your running shoes, consider staying better hydrated, increasing the fiber in your diet, and sitting in a warm bath several times daily.
Make an appointment with a board certified colon & rectal surgeon if these simple remedies don’t bring relief. They may suggest a painless rubber banding procedure that takes less than 10 minutes in the office. People with severe cases of hemorrhoids should consult their doctor before jogging and running to avoid a worsened condition, such as prolapse.
You Might Also Enjoy...
I’ve Been Diagnosed with Anal Warts; Now What?
Anal and genital warts result from HPV infection. Any sexual or skin-to-skin contact in the area around the anus could transmit an HPV strain that causes warts. Treatment depends on location and severity and typically involves topical solutions or surgery.
Chronic Anal Itching: When Should I Consult an Expert?
Anal itching can be embarrassing to talk about. It might not be a big deal if the problem is sporadic, but when it becomes chronic, you’ll want to find a solution, which may mean consulting an expert.
How Recurrent Anal Abscesses Increase Your Risk of Developing a Fistula
Glands inside the anus can sometimes become blocked, creating a painful anal abscess. About 50% of people with an anal abscess will go on to develop an anal fistula. Here’s what you need to know about each condition.
Can Pilonidal Disease Return After Surgery?
Pilonidal disease forms around the tailbone. Treatment often includes drainage or excision surgery. Will that take care of the problem? Maybe. Read on to learn about an approach with a high rate of preventing recurrence.
When Rectal Bleeding Requires Medical Attention
It’s never a good feeling when you discover blood after a bowel movement. It’s a problem that requires investigation, since rectal bleeding has both benign and serious causes.