Heavy Lifting and Hemorrhoids ǀ Hemorrhoid Surgeon MD

Whether you are lifting a piece of heavy furniture or lifting weights, lifting too much weight can lead to a common condition called hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the anus or lower rectum, and can be made worse by frequent heavy lifting or holding your breath when lifting heavy objects. This can cause a sudden increase of pressure in blood vessels.

The best way to avoid the development of hemorrhoids is by using some basic lifting and breathing techniques that will minimize your risk. Our experienced colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists at the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence can help with hemorrhoid prevention in Los Angeles by calling (888) 742-2032.

How Heavy Lifting Worsens Hemorrhoids

When lifting heavy objects, like weights, many people have a tendency to hold their breath and strain. Grunting as you hold your breath will force the air in your lungs down, increasing the pressure on your internal organs and, ultimately, the veins near your rectum that can swell and protrude as uncomfortable hemorrhoids. This buildup of abdominal pressure is similar to the pressure created when you strain to have a bowel movement, which is one of the most frequent causes of hemorrhoids.

In many cases, exercise is beneficial for patients who suffer from hemorrhoids; however, make sure to utilize techniques that will minimize the risk of your hemorrhoids worsening.

What Type of Exercise Is Beneficial for Hemorrhoids?

Regular exercise is beneficial when you are suffering from hemorrhoids. While weightlifting might be limited when dealing with hemorrhoids, but yoga and walking provide good forms of exercise that can help you prevent and relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. Try taking a 30-minute walk each morning, and perform exercises throughout the day that contract and release your perineal muscles.

A good exercise to work your perineal muscle is known as Kegal exercises. Contract the perineum for four seconds, and then release. This is considered one set. Do 10 to 15 sets at a time, two to three times a day. Increase the amount of time you hold the muscles by two seconds every two weeks until you reach 10 seconds. Once you are proficient, 10 to 25 sets a day should be enough.

How to Prevent Hemorrhoids When Lifting

Reducing your risk of hemorrhoids during weight lifting is all about how you inhale and exhale. Rather than pushing your breath down under the stress of heavy weights, make an effort to push that air up towards your throat. Before each lift, take a breath and hold it, pushing the air upwards as you lift the weight. If you are lifting weights during a workout, after each rep, exhale your breath completely and start the process over.

By implementing this breathing technique, you will reduce the pressure you place on your abdominal organs as you strain against that heavy barbell or bench press, which can help you avoid hemorrhoids and other conditions such as hernias.

If you have a history of heavy lifting and hemorrhoids, it’s recommended that you speak with one of our hemorrhoid doctors in Beverly Hills before starting strength training or weight lifting, in order to avoid the risk of injury and hemorrhoid recurrence.

Contact the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence Today

By making changes to your heavy lifting routine, you can reduce the chance of causing or worsening your hemorrhoids. If you’re currently suffering from hemorrhoids or want to know more about hemorrhoid prevention in Los Angeles, feel free to schedule an appointment at the La Peer Health Systems’ Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence by calling (888) 742-2032.

Next, read about how age increases your risk for hemorrhoids.

Weightlifters and Hemorrhoids: Lisa A. Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS: Colon and Rectal Surgeon

When it comes to fitness and health, lifting weights regularly paired with good nutrition can create lasting results. Being dedicated to this method of exercise can benefit our entire mind, body and spiritual health. It can control body weight issues, keep us focused and relaxed, and make us strong. Sounds pretty positive, right? Sure, but are there any negatives to lifting weights?

Lifting Weights Can Lead to Hemorrhoids

Incorrect movement can cause injury and unnecessary pain. Regularly lifting heavy objects that our bodies can’t handle may lead to obvious pulled muscles and aching bones. There’s also something else that most of us don’t like to talk about. Hemorrhoids! Yup, those pesky “piles” that come with unpleasant circumstances (bleeding, itching, pain) can be caused by improper weight lifting.

How Hemorrhoids Develop from Lifting Heavy Objects

Weight lifting itself isn’t the cause of hemorrhoids – they are a result of poor technique! It is more difficult than we think to lift weights correctly. People frequently hold their breath and strain as they lift heavy weights. Holding your breath and grunting (you know, you’ve heard that person at the gym) will force the air down into your lungs while increasing the pressure on your internal organs, thus creating the veins near your rectum to swell into hemorrhoids.

The process of creating unwanted pressure in your abdomen is similar to the strain you may have experienced when trying to have an uneasy bowel movement (which is also one of the most common causes of hemorrhoids). This lack of proper breathing can happen when lifting heavy objects in your everyday life, too, not necessarily barbells or weights, but a piece of furniture perhaps. Sometimes we think we can handle more weight than our body can, which can cause the straining mentioned above.

How to Prevent Hemorrhoids When Lifting Weights–Just Breathe!

Learning how to breathe properly during weight training is very important in reducing the risk of hemorrhoids. Certified personal trainers and exercise professionals are trained on the mechanics of proper breathing during exercise, so make sure you ask a professional. If you lift on your own, or have already been educated on these breathing methods, remember to consistently inhale and exhale. We often take for granted the power of a simple breath.  

So, 1) don’t think you’re Hercules, and 2) breathe when lifting something heavy.

Can I lift weights with hemorrhoids?

If you are currently experiencing painful hemorrhoids, weight lifting is not recommended.

Lifting with hemorrhoids will only prolong the healing process, and can make those bothersome hemorrhoids worse. However, other exercise such as walking, stretching, or even a yoga class may even relieve some of the symptoms.

Anytime you have bleeding, feel a lump in the anal area, or have rectal pain you should see a colorectal specialist to rule out a more serious condition. More than likely these issues are symptomatic to hemorrhoids, but it is always good to check with your doctor. If you have already been diagnosed with hemorrhoids, and your symptoms are lingering–schedule an appointment.  

What are hemorrhoids? What are the symptoms? When should you see a colorectal specialist?

Hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids may be internal or external. Symptoms include:

• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Protrusion of skin around the anus during bowel movements
• Itching in the anal area
• Pain in the anal area
• Sensitive lump(s)

For more detailed information on hemorrhoids go to: https://coloradocolonandrectalspecialists. com/ hemorrhoids-treatment/.

Caring for Hemorrhoids at Home

Although hemorrhoids will never go away on their own completely, you might try some of these tips at home to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief:

• Sit in a tub of warm water for 15 minutes at a time.
• Wrap a cold pack with a towel. Carefully sit on it for 20 minutes at a time to reduce hemorrhoidal inflammation.
• Don’t strain or sit on the toilet for too long. This puts more pressure on the area and can increase pain.

If the above measures aren’t working for you and those unwanted hemorrhoids rear their ugly heads (pun intended), Dr. Perryman is here to discuss personalized treatment options while making you more comfortable to live your life as YOU want to!

For now, keep your squats low, your standards high, and remember to always BREATHE!

Contact Dr. Lisa A. Perryman, board certified colon & rectal surgeon at (303)840-8822, or request an appointment on our contact page.  

Surgical Treatment to Repair Anal Fissures

While an anal fissure can be a short-lived, self-healing condition, some turn into chronic, persistent problems. Acute anal fissures can cause severe pain. Whether acute or chronic, surgery may be the right choice to promote healing.

Surgical Treatment for Fistulas

Following an anal abscess, your chances of developing an anal fistula increase dramatically. An abnormal opening connecting the anal canal with the surface of the buttocks, a fistula won’t heal spontaneously. You’ll need surgery to cure the problem.

Rectal Bleeding Without Hemorrhoids: 3 Known Causes

It’s never a comfortable feeling to find signs of blood after a bowel movement. While it’s common with some types of hemorrhoids, it can also be a symptom of other colorectal issues. Here are three other causes of rectal bleeding.

Pilonidal Cleft Lift Surgery

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2 Types of Hemorrhoids and What They Mean

About half of all Americans experience hemorrhoids by the time they reach the age of 50. Caused by swollen vascular tissue at the end of the digestive tract, hemorrhoids’ symptoms range from annoying to quite painful. Read on to learn more about the two ty

Anal Warts vs. Tags: How to Tell the Difference

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6 common causes of hemorrhoids | MAJOR CLINIC

Contents

• Hemorrhoids and its causes
• The main causes contributing to the development of hemorrhoids
  • Locks
  • Physical inactivity
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Heavy physical labor
  • Poor nutrition
  • Heredity
• Manifestations of hemorrhoids
• Treatment of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur in 35% of the inhabitants of economically developed regions and are the leaders among proctological diseases [1]. Pathology has been known since antiquity, its description is found in the medical writings of the Greeks, Egyptians, Hindus and other peoples. The name of the disease comes from two Greek words: haema and rheos, meaning “blood” and “flowing”, respectively. The term was first used by Hippocrates, describing bleeding from the anus [2].
Hemorrhoids occur in men and women, predominantly in young people, so the problem is considered socially and economically significant

Hemorrhoids and its causes

The disease occurs due to a complex of anatomical and functional changes, including varicose veins, vascular thrombosis, degeneration of collagen-fibrous fibers, deformity of the anal muscle [3]. Contribute to the development of the disease inflammatory changes in blood vessels and connective tissue of the perianal region [4] impaired defecation, decreased stool [5].

It is believed that dietary factors can provoke hemorrhoids, there is still no direct confirmation of this [6], however, nutrition affects the nature and frequency of stools. The disease progresses with an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, impaired hemodynamics of the small pelvis. At the same time, the veins of the rectum experience exorbitant loads and stretch, hemorrhoids appear.

The main causes contributing to the development of hemorrhoids

Reason No. 1:

Constipation. Arise in connection with poor nutrition, chronic stress, low physical activity. As a result, the peristaltic movements of the intestines slow down, the stool becomes rare. The pressure of the contents of the intestine on its walls increases, the outflow of blood is disturbed, leading to overstretching of the veins of the anus.

Table No. 1. Factors contributing to the occurrence of constipation

Reason #2:

Physical inactivity. Modern life requires high speeds and rapid movement from point A to point B. For this, people use transport. Walking several kilometers on foot is considered a waste of time. Few people play sports, regularly run or take daily long walks.

A sedentary lifestyle causes stagnation of blood in the pelvis. The outflow of blood from the veins of the anus is difficult, which leads to their expansion.

Reason #3:

Pregnancy and childbirth. The multiplying uterus compresses nearby organs, including the intestines and veins. Blood circulation becomes difficult, intra-abdominal pressure rises. During labor pains, the load on the organs and squeezing of the vessels reach a peak, ruptures of the perineal tissues may occur. All this leads to a violation of hemodynamics and hemorrhoids.

Reason #4:

Hard physical labor. Lifting weights is always accompanied by overload on the muscles of the abdominal wall, resulting in increased pressure in the abdominal cavity, increased blood flow. If high physical activity is regular, hemorrhoids will develop with a high degree of probability. At risk are loaders, couriers, delivery and warehouse workers.

Reason No. 5:

Poor nutrition – snacks on the run, fast food, fatty high-calorie foods, foods rich in simple carbohydrates. Low consumption of fiber and dietary fiber disrupt digestion, slow down the evacuation of the food bolus. Plus, many people are prone to overeating, gaining excess weight.

Reason No. 6:

Heredity. A tendency to hemorrhoids is genetically transmitted due to the peculiarities of the structure of the vascular walls, intestines and digestion. If relatives had hemorrhoids, then you need to take your health seriously: try to eliminate or minimize the factors that lead to the disease.

Manifestations of hemorrhoids

The following signs indicate hemorrhoids:

• pain, discomfort in the anal region,
• painful bowel movements;
• fresh blood on stool;
• feeling of a foreign body in the rectum;
• Perineal itch.

Table No. 2. Types and stages of hemorrhoids [7]

Exacerbation of hemorrhoids occurs after significant physical effort, spicy fatty foods, alcohol intake.

Treatment of hemorrhoids

Carried out by a coloproctologist. You should not self-medicate: folk methods and medicines bought on the advice of friends can relieve pain for a while, but they will not solve the problem. The doctor will assess the situation, determine the causes and conduct effective treatment of hemorrhoids. At the initial stages, local remedies are prescribed: rectal suppositories, ointments, herbal infusions. If symptoms are severe, medication may be needed. In advanced cases, in the presence of nodes, it is necessary to resort to surgical treatment.

We invite you to get rid of hemorrhoids in the Major Clinic, conveniently located in the center of Moscow. Highly qualified coloproctologists who know all the methods of diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids, including surgical ones, will help to solve a delicate problem. The clinic has a full-fledged hospital with two modern operating rooms equipped with modern equipment. If necessary, the operation is performed quickly, without pain and discomfort.

References

1. Johanson J. F., Sonnenberg A. The prevalence of hemorrhoids and chronic constipation. An epidemiological study // Gastroenterology. 1990; 98:380–386.
2. Leff E. Hemorrhoids // Postgrad Med. 1987; 82:95–101.
3. Hemorrhoids: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and approaches to therapy, Attending physician 6/14. Authors M. A. Livzan, V. L. Poluektov, E. A. Lyalyukova.
4. Han W., Wang Z. J., Zhao B., Yang X. Q., Wang D., Wang J. P., Tang X. Y., Zhao F., Hung Y. T. Pathologic change of elastic fibers with difference of microvessel density and expression of angiogenesis-related proteins in internal hemorrhoid tissues // Zhonghua Weichang Waike Zazhi. 2005; 8:56–59.
5. Johanson J. F., Sonnenberg A. The prevalence of hemorrhoids and chronic constipation. An epidemiological study // Gastroenterology. 1990; 98:380–386.
6. Pigot F., Siproudhis L., Allaert F. A. Risk factors associated with hemorrhoidal symptoms in specialized consultation // Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2005; 29:1270–1274.
7. Clinical guidelines. Coloproctology. – M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2015 – 528 p.

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6 common causes of hemorrhoids | MAJOR CLINIC

Contents

• Hemorrhoids and its causes
• The main causes contributing to the development of hemorrhoids
  • Locks
  • Physical inactivity
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Heavy physical labor
  • Poor nutrition
  • Heredity
• Manifestations of hemorrhoids
• Treatment of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur in 35% of the inhabitants of economically developed regions and is the leader among proctological diseases [1]. Pathology has been known since antiquity, its description is found in the medical writings of the Greeks, Egyptians, Hindus and other peoples. The name of the disease comes from two Greek words: haema and rheos, meaning “blood” and “flowing”, respectively. The term was first used by Hippocrates, describing bleeding from the anus [2].
Hemorrhoids occur in men and women, predominantly in young people, so the problem is considered socially and economically significant

Hemorrhoids and its causes

The disease occurs due to a complex of anatomical and functional changes, including varicose veins, vascular thrombosis, degeneration of collagen-fibrous fibers, deformity of the anal muscle [3]. Contribute to the development of the disease inflammatory changes in blood vessels and connective tissue of the perianal region [4] impaired defecation, decreased stool [5].

It is believed that dietary factors can provoke hemorrhoids, there is still no direct confirmation of this [6], however, nutrition affects the nature and frequency of stools. The disease progresses with an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, impaired hemodynamics of the small pelvis. At the same time, the veins of the rectum experience exorbitant loads and stretch, hemorrhoids appear.

The main causes contributing to the development of hemorrhoids

Reason No. 1:

Constipation. Arise in connection with poor nutrition, chronic stress, low physical activity. As a result, the peristaltic movements of the intestines slow down, the stool becomes rare. The pressure of the contents of the intestine on its walls increases, the outflow of blood is disturbed, leading to overstretching of the veins of the anus.

Table No. 1. Factors contributing to the occurrence of constipation

Reason #2:

Physical inactivity. Modern life requires high speeds and rapid movement from point A to point B. For this, people use transport. Walking several kilometers on foot is considered a waste of time. Few people play sports, regularly run or take daily long walks.

A sedentary lifestyle causes stagnation of blood in the pelvis. The outflow of blood from the veins of the anus is difficult, which leads to their expansion.

Reason #3:

Pregnancy and childbirth. The multiplying uterus compresses nearby organs, including the intestines and veins. Blood circulation becomes difficult, intra-abdominal pressure rises. During labor pains, the load on the organs and squeezing of the vessels reach a peak, ruptures of the perineal tissues may occur. All this leads to a violation of hemodynamics and hemorrhoids.

Reason #4:

Hard physical labor. Lifting weights is always accompanied by overload on the muscles of the abdominal wall, resulting in increased pressure in the abdominal cavity, increased blood flow. If high physical activity is regular, hemorrhoids will develop with a high degree of probability. At risk are loaders, couriers, delivery and warehouse workers.

Reason No. 5:

Poor nutrition – snacks on the run, fast food, fatty high-calorie foods, foods rich in simple carbohydrates. Low consumption of fiber and dietary fiber disrupt digestion, slow down the evacuation of the food bolus. Plus, many people are prone to overeating, gaining excess weight.

Reason No. 6:

Heredity. A tendency to hemorrhoids is genetically transmitted due to the peculiarities of the structure of the vascular walls, intestines and digestion. If relatives had hemorrhoids, then you need to take your health seriously: try to eliminate or minimize the factors that lead to the disease.

Manifestations of hemorrhoids

The following signs indicate hemorrhoids:

• pain, discomfort in the anal region,
• painful bowel movements;
• fresh blood on stool;
• feeling of a foreign body in the rectum;
• Perineal itch.

Table No. 2. Types and stages of hemorrhoids [7]

Exacerbation of hemorrhoids occurs after significant physical effort, spicy fatty foods, alcohol intake.

Treatment of hemorrhoids

Carried out by a coloproctologist. You should not self-medicate: folk methods and medicines bought on the advice of friends can relieve pain for a while, but they will not solve the problem. The doctor will assess the situation, determine the causes and conduct effective treatment of hemorrhoids. At the initial stages, local remedies are prescribed: rectal suppositories, ointments, herbal infusions. If symptoms are severe, medication may be needed. In advanced cases, in the presence of nodes, it is necessary to resort to surgical treatment.

We invite you to get rid of hemorrhoids in the Major Clinic, conveniently located in the center of Moscow. Highly qualified coloproctologists who know all the methods of diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids, including surgical ones, will help to solve a delicate problem. The clinic has a full-fledged hospital with two modern operating rooms equipped with modern equipment. If necessary, the operation is performed quickly, without pain and discomfort.

References

1. Johanson J. F., Sonnenberg A. The prevalence of hemorrhoids and chronic constipation. An epidemiological study // Gastroenterology. 1990; 98:380–386.
2. Leff E. Hemorrhoids // Postgrad Med. 1987; 82:95–101.
3. Hemorrhoids: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and approaches to therapy, Attending physician 6/14. Authors M. A. Livzan, V. L. Poluektov, E. A. Lyalyukova.
4. Han W., Wang Z. J., Zhao B., Yang X. Q., Wang D., Wang J. P., Tang X. Y., Zhao F., Hung Y. T. Pathologic change of elastic fibers with difference of microvessel density and expression of angiogenesis-related proteins in internal hemorrhoid tissues // Zhonghua Weichang Waike Zazhi. 2005; 8:56–59.
5. Johanson J. F., Sonnenberg A. The prevalence of hemorrhoids and chronic constipation. An epidemiological study // Gastroenterology. 1990; 98:380–386.
6. Pigot F., Siproudhis L., Allaert F. A. Risk factors associated with hemorrhoidal symptoms in specialized consultation // Gastroenterol Clin Biol.