Hemorrhoids in Little Rock, AR

There are certain things you can do to help prevent the development of hemorrhoids — or at minimum, lessen their impact. This may involve lifestyle changes like:

• Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time: Be sure to take breaks periodically throughout the day. For instance, go for a short walk every 1 – 2 hours.
• Eat a high-fiber diet: This involves fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy items. If you struggle to get enough fiber, a fiber supplement could be an ideal option.
• Consume plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly.
• Go to the restroom upon having the urge, as opposed to waiting for another time.

Hemorrhoids are often caused by issues like chronic constipation, so adopting certain changes to your diet may be recommended. Our Little Rock, AR digestive health specialists might recommend avoiding foods with little to no fiber. This includes items such as potato chips, ice cream, cheese, fast food, and processed foods. During your consultation, we can discuss additional details on what to avoid eating if you have hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid creams purchased over the counter can be a great option to alleviate common symptoms, such as swelling and itching. In some cases, they might even help treat minor hemorrhoids. However, they typically do not offer the most effective treatment approach. Because over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams don't actually address the root cause of hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids will likely return even with the use of these over-the-counter treatment creams.

The severity and type of hemorrhoid you're experiencing will typically determine how long it may remain. With internal hemorrhoids, minor cases typically clear up within a few days to one week. Larger hemorrhoids, on the contrary, might take a few weeks to improve or require medical treatment. External hemorrhoids must be addressed by a physician. There are several treatment options to address hemorrhoids, such as dietary and lifestyle modifications, nonprescription medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding, a surgical procedure, or a different approach.