Hemorrhoids Specialist
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Todd B. Linden, MD, FACP
Gastroenterologist & Internist located in Soho, New York, NY
Around half of all Americans will experience hemorrhoids at one point or another, but finding relief doesn’t have to be hard. Getting relief from hemorrhoids can help you get back into the swing of your normal daily routines, and at Todd B. Linden MD FACP in Soho, Manhattan, Dr. Lindon offers treatment for hemorrhoids. If you’re suffering from hemorrhoids and wondering about your treatment options, call his New York City office or schedule an appointment online toda.
Hemorrhoids Q & A
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are inflamed or swollen veins in your anus or rectum. They are also commonly called piles. Some hemorrhoids are internal, meaning they occur inside your rectum. When hemorrhoids occur near your anal opening, they are referred to as external hemorrhoids.
Fortunately, most hemorrhoids are not a serious medical issue. They can, however, be incredibly painful and interfere with your normal daily routines.
Some smaller hemorrhoids will resolve on their own over the course of a few weeks. In many cases, however, hemorrhoids require treatment before the condition will improve.
What causes hemorrhoids?
It’s not always possible to determine the exact cause of hemorrhoids, but researchers have identified several clear causal factors. Anything that places excess pressure on the veins in your anal area can lead to hemorrhoids.
The most common cause is straining during bowel movements, which is a common side effect of constipation. Additional causal factors include:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged periods of sitting
- Insufficient dietary fiber
- Heavy lifting
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Your risk of developing hemorrhoids rises as you grow older and the tissues that provide support to your anus stretch and weaken.
What can be done to treat hemorrhoids?
It’s important to have Dr. Linden perform a diagnostic exam if you are troubled by hemorrhoids or if you experience rectal bleeding. Ruling out other, more serious medical issues is an essential part of staying healthy.
There are numerous ways to treat hemorrhoids, and Dr. Linden will discuss each option with you in detail to help you make an informed decision about your care. Medications can help ease discomfort, and there are options available in the form of ointments, creams, suppositories, or pads.
Another option involves using tiny medical rubber bands to stop circulation to your hemorrhoids. An injection of a special chemical solution can help shrink hemorrhoids, and there are also treatments that use infrared or laser light to coagulate the blood within hemorrhoids, which shrinks them.
In some cases, surgical removal is the best way to completely eliminate hemorrhoids. This is especially useful in cases where other treatments have failed to achieve the desired results.
To explore these and other hemorrhoid treatments in greater detail, call or schedule an appointment with Dr. Linden online.
