Do you know what are the best exercises to treat hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are caused by damage to the hemorrhoidal cushions. In simpler terms, it can be said that inflammation and swelling of the anal veins are called hemorrhoids. Among the annoying symptoms of this disease, we can mention pain, itching, burning and bleeding from the anus. This disease can be caused by several factors that increase the pressure on the anus. These factors can vary from constipation to childbirth, pregnancy and anal intercourse. But the most common cause of this disease is persistent constipation, which increases the pressure on the anus.
Considering that this disease has become very widespread in the present era, it can be concluded that lifestyle is also one of the most important factors causing this disease. Today, most people have jobs that require them to sit for a long time and mobility has decreased significantly compared to the past. Since inactivity reduces bowel movements and blood circulation, it can cause constipation and prepare the ground for hemorrhoids. On the other hand, sitting for a long time puts a lot of pressure on a person’s anus and causes this disease. In this article from humanhealthmag, we will introduce some effective exercises for treating hemorrhoids.
Is It Possible to Treat Hemorrhoids with Exercise?
Since inactivity is one of the factors that cause hemorrhoids; in addition to laser, doing exercises to treat hemorrhoids can play an important role in preventing or treating hemorrhoids. It should be noted that choosing the type of exercise in treating hemorrhoids is very important; because many heavy exercises can cause or aggravate hemorrhoids by putting pressure on the anal muscle.
How exercise can play a role in preventing and treating this disease comes down to the effects of exercise such as increasing blood circulation, losing weight, and maintaining cardiovascular health. Exercise can also play an important role in eliminating inflammation, absorbing nutrients in the body, and reducing hemorrhoid pain. Abdominal exercise can also increase bile secretion in the body and thus prevent hemorrhoids by treating constipation. Of course, if you know the causes of constipation in the elderly, you can also eliminate hemorrhoids.
Some Exercises to Treat Hemorrhoids (Piles)
Is it possible to treat hemorrhoids (piles) with exercise? You may have experienced hemorrhoids at least once in your adult life. Fortunately, there are exercises you can do to help treat and prevent these swollen veins located around or inside the anus. In fact, one of the best ways to home remedies for senior constipation is to do some exercise. These exercises include the following:
1- Walking
Walking is an effective exercise that can help improve blood circulation and improve bowel regularity without putting too much pressure on the rectal area.
2- Swimming
Swimming is another effective exercise that can help reduce pressure on the rectal area while providing overall cardiovascular benefits. Warm water can relieve hemorrhoid pain and leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. It also targets all muscle groups, which helps improve digestive function and prevent constipation. Swimming is beneficial for people of all fitness levels and body types.
3- Yoga
Slow yoga poses, such as child’s pose and pelvic tilts, may help relieve hemorrhoid-related discomfort by improving blood flow and reducing tension in the pelvic area. Child’s pose helps circulate blood around the anus and relieves constipation, while also relaxing the lower back, hips, and legs. To begin:
- Start on your hands and knees
- Sit back and rest your buttocks on your heels
- Extend your arms or relax them at your sides
- Rest in this position for up to 5 minutes
4- Legs-up-the-Wall Pose
This move can boost circulation to your anus while also reducing discomfort and irritation:
- Sit with your right side against a wall
- Place your legs against a wall and lie on your back.
- Place your arms in any comfortable position or gently massage your abdomen.
- Continue in this position for up to 15 minutes.
5- Pelvic Exercises
Pelvic exercises involve contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening these muscles can potentially help improve blood flow and reduce hemorrhoid symptoms. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can also make it easier to pass stool and prevent straining.
- Lie on your back
- Contract your anal muscles as if you are holding back gas
- Hold this contraction for 5 seconds
- Rest for 10 seconds
- Repeat contracting and relaxing your muscles as many times as you can
- Continue for as long as possible
- Do this sequence 2 to 4 times a day
6- Deep Breathing
This exercise helps reduce tension in your pelvic floor muscles and promote relaxation:
- Sit up straight and place your hands on either side of your lower chest, just above your waist
- With each inhale, breathe deeply into your belly, allowing your belly to expand
- With each inhale, draw your navel toward your spine
- Continue this for up to 5 minutes
7- Child’s Pose (Balaasana)
This pose can increase blood circulation around the anus or relieve constipation, and also relieve tension in the back, hips, and legs. To do this pose, kneel on the floor with your hips resting on your heels. Then, lean forward and extend your arms forward or let them relax at your sides. You can stay in this position for up to 5 minutes.
8- Pelvic Floor Contraction
Pelvic floor contractions help strengthen the muscles in this area. This makes it easier for you to defecate, the sphincter becomes more relaxed, and you can defecate more easily. To do this pose, you can sit or lie on your back. Then, contract the muscles in your anus as if you were trying to stop passing gas. Hold this contraction for 5 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds, and then repeat the movement 5 times. It is best to do this exercise 2 to 4 times throughout the day.
Exercises That Are Bad for Hemorrhoids
In addition to exercises to treat hemorrhoids, there are also exercises that can aggravate the condition. Avoid strenuous exercise, especially those that put pressure on your abdomen, anal area, or hemorrhoids. These types of activities may worsen symptoms and cause pain, irritation, or bleeding. Exercises to avoid include:
- Sit-ups
- Squats
- Weightlifting
- Cycling
- Rowing
- Equestrian
Remember to start slowly and listen to your body during exercise. If you experience any pain or discomfort, it is important to stop the activity and consult your doctor for further guidance.
How to Prepare for Exercises to Treat Hemorrhoids?
Before doing exercises to treat hemorrhoids, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Be sure to drink enough fluids before exercising so that your body does not become dehydrated during exercise; because dehydration can aggravate constipation and ultimately hemorrhoids.
- Try to wear loose and breathable clothes so that air can flow easily over the skin of the body. Tight clothes cause friction in the affected area.
- Be sure to remove sweat-soaked clothes after exercise so that they do not irritate the anal area.
- You can take a warm shower after exercise because it can soothe the injured anal area.
Concluding Remarks
In general, doing exercises to treat hemorrhoids will help the veins swollen due to hemorrhoids to heal, and gentle exercise can help improve the results of your hemorrhoid treatment by strengthening the pelvic muscles and improving bowel function and blood circulation. Of course, you should also note that treating hemorrhoids with exercise can be possible in people whose disease has not worsened.
Simple exercises such as walking, sitting, dancing, and jumping rope are recommended to prevent and improve hemorrhoids. However, there are also slightly more complex and advanced exercises that can be taught to you by your doctor. Since inactivity is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids, treating hemorrhoids with exercise can be possible due to increased mobility.
We’re curious to hear your thoughts! What’s your take on this topic? Comment below and join the conversation; your opinion could spark new ideas!
FAQs
Does Walking Reduce Hemorrhoids?
In fact, regular brisk walking can improve bowel health and reduce the risk of developing them.
When Is the Right Time to Exercise to Treat Hemorrhoids?
If you want to help your condition improve with exercise, you should exercise at least an hour after eating. After you eat, a large amount of blood flows to the intestines and stomach to help digest food. Exercising during this time disrupts this natural process and prevents digestion and absorption of food. Exercising at this time can reduce intestinal muscle contractions and the secretion of absorption enzymes, which can have a negative effect on the body.
What Is the Best Sitting Position for Hemorrhoids?
The best sitting position for hemorrhoids is to sit on a soft surface and use a hemorrhoid pillow to reduce pressure on the anus. It is also best to adjust your sitting angle to face forward. Of course, it is important not to sit for long periods of time.
Do Hemorrhoids Heal on Their Own?
In some cases, mild hemorrhoids may improve without specific treatment and with lifestyle modifications, but severe or chronic hemorrhoids require medical treatment.