Hemorrhoid relief
If you missed part one of this series, which explains the background, causes, and prevention of hemorrhoids, click here to read it.
If you develop hemorrhoids, here are our Top 10 recommendations for comfort and healing:
Use wipes or pads that contain witch hazel (Tucks pads are popular). Witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory agents as well as ingredients that help to reduce itching and pain.
Use gentle, flushable wipes instead of toilet paper for wiping or wet your toilet paper to avoid scratching the area and creating more irritation.
Take a sitz bath (whether a true sitz bath or an epsom salt bath in the tub) or soak in clean cool to warm water for 10 minutes at a time, several times per day.
Use ice packs on the area several times a day (or pour witch hazel on a pad and freeze it for extra relief and healing properties - bonus!)
Stay active with exercise and move around throughout the day.
Try not to sit for too long to avoid extra pressure on your anus. If you have a desk job, try to vary your position if possible. If you can’t change positions throughout the day, make sure to get up at least once every hour to improve circulation. Also consider getting a donut pillow to sit on to relieve pressure.
Drink lots of water throughout the day and eat foods high in fiber to help keep your stools soft.
Avoid straining while having a bowel movement.
Perform exercises that will strengthen your pelvic floor. Consult a pelvic physical therapist for instruction and guidance on this.
Sleep on your side instead of your back to reduce pressure on the affected area (laying on your left side can help take pressure off your rectal veins).
If you try these remedies at home for a week and you aren’t getting relief, make sure to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a stool softener or topical cream to relieve the itching and pain.
If you are pregnant and experience any bleeding, make sure to see your doctor to locate the source of the bleeding. Similar symptoms can occur with other diagnoses, so it’s important to check in with your practitioner just to be safe.
If you struggle with straining during urination or bowel movements, try out a squatty potty! The squatty potty puts your body in an optimal position for elimination. If you are still having trouble, make sure to schedule a physical therapy evaluation to see what else might be going on.
If you would like a free consultation at Moms in Motion PT to see if we are a good fit for you, call us at 612-568-2462.