3 Quick Ways to Soothe Hemorrhoid Pain

Hemorrhoid pain can be quite disruptive. It can come on suddenly during bowel movements, or linger and cause discomfort and itching even while sitting in a chair. Sometimes, the pain may also be accompanied by itchiness or a throbbing sensation.

However, not all hemorrhoids cause pain. External hemorrhoids and prolapsed internal hemorrhoids are most often responsible for painful symptoms. The closer a hemorrhoid is located to the anus, the more likely it is to hurt, as this area contains somatic nerves that are highly sensitive to pain.

If you are struggling with pain that doesn’t go away on its own, read on, as our experts at Carolina Digestive Health Associates share three quick ways to soothe your hemorrhoid pain from the comfort of your home.

1. Warm sitz baths

Some of the pain caused by hemorrhoids is due to irritation and inflammation. Soaking the area in warm water helps relax the area and soothe irritated tissues. A sitz bath lasting about 15 minutes is enough to ease discomfort and reduce pain, according to studies.

2. Reduce pressure and irritation

Prolonged sitting can put a lot of pressure on your hemorrhoids, worsening pain and inflammation. However, most people spend a lot of time sitting down, especially on hard surfaces. You can reduce pressure by using soft cushions on your seat and standing up periodically.

To reduce the risk of irritation after using the restroom, switch from dry toilet paper to soft, unscented wipes.

3. Support regular, soft bowel movements

Soft, regular bowel movements prevent straining, which is one of the main causes of hemorrhoid pain. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins. When you strain, more blood flows into these veins as pressure increases, stretching them even further. In addition, dry stools can be very irritating and may cause micro-injuries to tissues that are already sensitive and swollen.

Finding the cause behind your hard stools, whether it is diet, poor hydration, or something else, could be key to reducing your pain.

Get help for your hemorrhoid pain

Smaller hemorrhoids often improve with non-prescription creams, ointments, and suppositories, along with a few lifestyle changes that support healing. However, if the pain persists and bleeding is also present, minimally invasive procedures are also an option. These procedures focus on removing the hemorrhoid by cutting off its blood supply or by shrinking the vein using special substances, heat, or light. These procedures are typically performed in an outpatient setting and require little recovery time.

Surgery is rarely necessary, but it can be helpful in removing large hemorrhoids when other treatments have not worked.

If you experience pain related to your hemorrhoids, contact us to schedule an appointment in our offices located in Belmont and Charlotte, North Carolina.