Hemorrhoids in Denver, CO

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

• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly.
• Go to the restroom as soon as you have the urge, as opposed to waiting until a later time.
• Avoid sitting for extended periods of time: Ensure you take breaks during the day. For instance, go for a short walk every 1 – 2 hours.
• Eat a high-fiber diet: This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy items. If you find it challenging to consume an adequate amount of fiber, a fiber dietary supplement may be ideal.

Hemorrhoids commonly result from issues such as persistent constipation, so adopting specific dietary changes could be suggested if you have this condition. Our Denver, CO digestive health specialists may advise that you avoid foods containing little to no fiber. This includes foods like cheese, chips, ice cream, processed foods, and fast food. During your consultation, we can discuss additional information on what to stay away from if you've been diagnosed with hemorrhoids.

Over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid creams can be a good option to alleviate common symptoms, such as inflammation and itching. In some instances, they could even help address small hemorrhoids. However, they are not typically the recommended treatment approach. Since hemorrhoid creams don't actually address the root cause of hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids will likely return without professional medical care.

The type and severity of the hemorrhoid will often determine how long it will last. Small internal hemorrhoids generally clear up over the course of a few days to one week. Larger hemorrhoids, on the contrary, could take several weeks to improve or may need professional medical care. External hemorrhoids typically need treatment from a physician. Such treatment options may involve nutritional and lifestyle modifications, nonprescription medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation), surgery, or another type of care.