Hemorrhoids in Northwest Arkansas

There are a few things you can do to help prevent the development of hemorrhoids — or at the very minimum, minimize their impact. This might include lifestyle modifications like:

• Consume plenty of water
• Go to the restroom as soon as you have the urge, rather than waiting until a later time
• Consume foods that are high in fiber: This includes fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and other healthy items. If you find it difficult to eat an adequate amount of fiber, a fiber supplement may be ideal.
• Avoid sitting for long periods of time
• Exercise regularly

Hemorrhoids often result from persistent constipation, so making certain changes to your diet might be recommended if you have this GI concern. Our Northwest Arkansas gastrointestinal physicians might advise avoiding food items low in fiber. This involves products such as cheese, chips, ice cream, processed foods, and fast food. During your consultation, we can discuss additional information on food items to avoid eating if you've been diagnosed with hemorrhoids.

Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams can be a great way to reduce common symptoms like swelling and itching. In some patients, they may even help address small hemorrhoids. However, they generally do not provide the most effective treatment protocol. Since hemorrhoid creams do not actually address the underlying cause of hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids will likely return even with the use of these over-the-counter treatment creams.

The severity and variation of hemorrhoid that has developed will typically dictate the length of time it will last. As far as internal hemorrhoids go, smaller cases commonly clear up over the course of a few days to one week. Bigger hemorrhoids, on the contrary, may take up to several weeks to improve or may need professional medical treatment. External hemorrhoids usually need to be treated by a doctor. Treatment options might involve dietary and lifestyle modifications, the use of nonprescription medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation), surgery, or a different approach.