Hemorrhoids are a common problem, affecting three out of every four people at one point or another. If you experience painful or frequent hemorrhoids the surgeons of Foris Surgical Group in Frederick, Maryland, can help. Booking a visit is fast and easy whether you call the office or use the online scheduling page.
A hemorrhoid is an abnormally swollen vein in your rectum or anus. They can develop inside your body or in the area just outside your rectum.
Hemorrhoids can develop in both women and men. Because they usually take considerable time to develop, they aren’t often found in children. Some people might only experience one hemorrhoid, while others develop hemorrhoids routinely.
It’s possible to have one or more hemorrhoids and not know they are present. However, some hemorrhoids will become painful or can bleed or cause itching or burning sensations.
Some of the conditions known to increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids include:
In many cases, there is no clear cause of hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can sometimes be pushed back inside the anus. There are at-home treatments that can help ease hemorrhoid symptoms, but some hemorrhoids require surgical intervention.
Left untreated, hemorrhoids can develop into more serious health issues. Continued bleeding can cause anemia, a condition in which you lack enough red blood cells to properly transport oxygen throughout your body. Additional complications of hemorrhoids include skin tags, infection, and blood clots.
Foris Surgical Group offers numerous treatments to resolve discomfort from hemorrhoids. A procedure called rubber band ligation works by securing a medical rubber band to the base of the hemorrhoid, which cuts off circulation to the affected tissue and shrinks the swollen vein.
Infrared coagulation is another option. This approach uses a small probe to deliver carefully controlled heat to the rectum at the site of the hemorrhoid, hardening and shriveling the damaged vein(s).
If these methods are not effective, a surgical procedure called hemorrhoidectomy can help by surgically removing the hemorrhoid and closing the skin with sutures. This approach is usually only necessary in cases where hemorrhoids are severe and have not responded to other treatments.
If you’d like more information about hemorrhoid diagnosis, treatment, or prevention, call the office to schedule a visit. Online booking is also available and can be done in just a matter of moments.