Fire Down Below: Hemorrhoid Pain

Yes, it’s embarrassing to talk about hemorrhoids, although the condition is a common cause of chronic pain. Hemorrhoid pain stems from an inflammation of the veins in the anus and the lower part of the rectum.

The causes of hemorrhoids include anything that can put pressure on these veins, including pregnancy, obesity, and straining during a bowel movement due to constipation or diarrhea.

Other signs of hemorrhoids include bleeding and itching, and swelling around the anal and rectal area. Sometimes the swollen veins are visible outside the anus and sometimes they aren’t.

For mild hemorrhoid pain, your clinician will likely recommend creams or pads with ingredients to relieve the symptoms, but follow his or her instructions as to their use.

In persistent cases, minimally invasive procedures may help, such as:

• Rubber band ligation: Circulation is cut off to the vein by a small elastic band.
• Injection: Chemicals are used to shrink the hemorrhoid.
• Coagulation: Infrared light or heat is used to shrivel the hemorrhoid.

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