How to manage Haemorrhoid pain

Haemorrhoids can be a source of great discomfort. Many feel embarrassed to ask others about the best ways to relieve pain. In this blog, we will discuss recommended ways to relieve pain and irritation to help alleviate haemorrhoid symptoms to restore your comfort and confidence.

What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids, or piles are swollen veins located in the lower rectum and anus. They can be located internally or externally and have different grades of severity.

Certain factors such as straining during bowel movements, chronic diarrhoea or constipation, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or pregnancy are common causes of haemorrhoids.

Haemorrhoid Symptoms

Pain or discomfort when sitting or during bowel movements.
A lump or swelling around the anus.
Itching or irritation in the anal region.
Rectal bleeding during bowel movements.

How to manage Haemorrhoids

The best ways to manage haemorrhoid symptoms include:

Hydration

Staying hydrated and drinking an adequate amount of water is very important when suffering from haemorrhoids. Being well hydrated can help soften your stools and prevent constipation, making managing your symptoms a lot easier. It is best to limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate your body.

Good Diet

It is also good to look at your diet and ensure that you are including at least 25 -30 grams of fibre-rich foods daily. This can include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Maintaining your fibre intake daily will also help to soften your stools.

Toilet Habits

We recommend using a stool to elevate your feet whilst sitting on the toilet. This puts you in a more natural bowel movement position and should reduce the need for strain.

Sitz Bath

Having a warm sitz bath several times a day can help to soothe discomfort from haemorrhoids. We recommend soaking for 10-15 minutes each time.

Topical Treatments

There are a range of over-the-counter treatments for haemorrhoids which include creams, ointments and suppositories. These are all likely to contain ingredients such as lidocaine, witch hazel or hydrocortisone which can help provide relief from pain, itching and inflammation. It is best to speak with your GP or pharmacist for advice on product instructions and which is suitable for you.

Consider haemorrhoid treatment

Whilst most haemorrhoids can be effectively managed with the self-care measures mentioned above, there are times when medical intervention may be required.

Whilst NHS treatment for haemorrhoids often requires long waitlists and strict criteria, private haemorrhoid treatment is available for those looking for a solution to their haemorrhoid problems.

Private Haemorrhoid Treatment

Haemorrhoid treatments at The Private Clinic are performed by Consultant Colorectal Surgeons who have extensive experience in colorectal and proctology treatments having worked within the NHS for many years.

We provide patients with a range of private, self-paying treatment alternatives, both surgical and non-surgical. Our goal is to provide a personalised service where our surgeons work with you to choose the best course of action that will not only provide the best results but also fit into your schedule to minimise extended downtime.

Related: Best Treatment for Piles

Rafaelo Haemorrhoid Treatment

Rafaelo is a revolutionary, safe, reliable and non-surgical treatment for haemorrhoid removal that can provide long-lasting results.

Performed in clinic under local anaesthetic, radiofrequency ablation is used to remove haemorrhoids in as little as 15 minutes.

Haemorrhoid symptoms are instantly reduced, and patients can return to many daily activities such as work within 1-2 days and exercise after 1 week.

Whilst Rafaelo is our first choice of treatment when it comes to treating haemorrhoids, our team of expert Colorectal Surgeons also provide other haemorrhoid treatments for those not suitable for Rafaelo treatment which include:

THD

Transanal haemorrhoid dearterialization (THD) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating haemorrhoids/piles. The procedure uses a micro doppler to guide the surgeon into the anus enabling them to place a suture across the haemorrhoidal arteries. This prevents blood supply to the haemorrhoids and causes them to shrink.

No haemorrhoids are cut or removed which means there is reduced post-operative pain and recovery time. Most patients can return to their usual daily activities after 1 week.

Haemorrhoidectomy

A haemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove haemorrhoids. The haemorrhoids are removed using a scalpel, electrocautery or laser and the wound is closed with a suture (closed haemorrhoidectomy). Other variations include leaving the wound open (open haemorrhoidectomy) or a stapled haemorrhoidectomy where a ring of haemorrhoid tissue is removed, and the tissue is stapled back.

The best procedure for you will be discussed in consultation but a closed haemorrhoidectomy is the most performed.

A haemorrhoidectomy is best for patients with recurrent haemorrhoids or severe haemorrhoids which are not suitable for other less invasive treatments.

Haemorrhoidectomy procedures do involve more downtime, but most patients can start to return to their usual activities after 2 weeks.

Summary

Haemorrhoids can be difficult to live with, but with the appropriate techniques and solutions, you can reduce pain and enhance your quality of life.

You can effectively manage haemorrhoids and avoid recurrences by implementing lifestyle modifications, utilising topical therapies, and maintaining a high-fibre diet.

If you have any questions or suffer severe or persistent symptoms, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our experienced Consultant Colorectal Surgeons who can provide you with individualised advice and treatment options that are specific to your requirements.

Why choose The Private Clinic for private piles treatment?

The Private Clinic has over 40 years of offering the most advanced and effective treatments achieving outstanding results. We work with experienced surgeons, doctors and nurses who will provide the best care and aftercare ensuring the patient’s safety and satisfaction every step.

Our private self-pay Rafaelo haemorrhoid treatment option gives you maximum flexibility to avoid patient waiting lists and choose the best treatment to suit you and your lifestyle.

Find out more about our haemorrhoid and other colorectal treatment options.

At The Private Clinic, we offer:

Comprehensive Haemorrhoid consultations with experienced Consultant Colorectal NHS Surgeons.

Free Protoscopy Exam (usually priced additionally at £100-150 at most clinics and private hospitals) included in all clinic consultations.
Our 15-minute, walk-in, walk-out Rafaelo procedure is our first choice in haemorrhoid treatment.
We prioritise treatments that provide minimal postoperative pain and aftercare.
Our haemorrhoid treatments have minimal chances of piles recurrence.
Instant reduction of piles symptoms.
24-hour patient helpline direct to your nursing team and surgeon, which means should you have any concerns we are here to help.
Dedicated post-operative care and appointments with your surgeon and nursing team.
The Private Clinic’s unique comprehensive Patient Guide on Haemorrhoids.
Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be a premium experience.
Find out more about our range of haemorrhoid and other colorectal procedures that we provide.