The pain associated with irritated, swollen veins in the anal area is sometimes described as a sharp, burning sensation.
Other people with hemorrhoids may experience bleeding or pain that's especially noticeable when making bowel movements. Regardless of what your personal history with hemorrhoids happens to be, it's a condition that's treatable and often preventable.
But if you're not seeing significant results with home remedies, it may be time to visit a hemorrhoid treatment center in Orange County to explore treatment options.
Medication
If initial efforts such as managing constipation better and using over-the-counter ointments and creams aren't effective, a doctor at a hemorrhoid treatment center in Orange County may prescribe medication to ease itching and/or swelling in the rectum and anus. Hydrocortisone suppositories may reduce the inflammation that sometimes causes bleeding, itching, bloody diarrhea, and rectal pain.
Hemorrhoid Clot Treatment
An external hemorrhoid sometimes develops a blood clot (thrombus) within the swollen vein. The clot can contribute to severe pain, inflammation, and the formation of a hard lump around the anus. When these thrombosed hemorrhoids are fairly recent, they may be surgically removed at a hemorrhoid treatment center in Orange County. Withdrawing the clot from the vein is usually a simple procedure done with a small incision. In some cases, the entire hemorrhoid may need to be removed.
Rubber Band Ligation
Rubber band ligation is the most common type of hemorrhoid surgery performed in the United States. During the procedure, small rubber bands are placed around the base of the swollen vein. Because circulation is cut off, the sealed off tissue eventually withers and falls off. The flow of blood is eventually redirected to healthy veins as the body naturally heals itself after the swollen part of the vein is blocked with the bands. It typically takes 2-4 ligation procedures spaced out over a 6-8 week period to completely get rid of a hemorrhoid with this method.
Removal (Hemorrhoidectomy)
If large, protruding hemorrhoids need to be removed, the procedure performed at a hemorrhoid treatment center in Orange County is called a hemorrhoidectomy. Removal surgery can be done on both external hemorrhoids and internal hemorrhoids. With a traditional hemorrhoidectomy, the affected blood vessels are removed. Full recovery usually takes a week or so for most patients.
Staples
An alternative to a hemorrhoidectomy is a stapling procedure. This option is for patients with internal hemorrhoids that are bleeding or ones that have prolapsed. A special stapling device is used to return the affected tissue back to a normal position, usually in an anal or rectal area without as many sensitive nerves.
You may also benefit from a visit to a hemorrhoid treatment center in Orange County if you are dealing with anal irritations that keep coming back. With situations like this, a hemorrhoid doctor may suggest sitz baths, adding more fiber to your diet, trying hemorrhoid-specific exercises, and drinking more water to help minimize constipation. Lastly, keep in mind that a visit to treatment center doesn't necessarily mean surgery will be recommended. If it is, take comfort in knowing recurrence is less likely with hemorrhoid removal surgery.