Exercising Without the Hurt of Hemorrhoids

Exercise is an essential part of any healthy lifestyle, but in Los Angeles the pain of hemorrhoids can make even the simplest activities seem uncomfortable. You may be worried that physical activity will worsen your hemorrhoids, and while this is true of activities like weightlifting, many workouts can actually help you minimize your risk of experiencing hemorrhoids again in the future.

Regular exercise can play such an important role in hemorrhoid prevention because it reduces pressure on the rectal veins by:

• Helping you maintain a healthy body weight
• Promoting regularity and ease of bowel movements
• Reducing the amount of time you spend sitting down

Exercise can also help you improve circulation all over the body, including in the rectum. Still, you’ll need to choose your activities carefully if you already suffer from hemorrhoids to reduce your risk of pain. As previously mentioned, weightlifting and other activities that require heavy lifting and straining are not advised for those who suffer from hemorrhoids. You will also need to avoid cycling, horseback riding and any other seated activity that puts extra pressure on the rectal area, like those that use exercise machines.

If you suffer from hemorrhoids in Los Angeles, it’s important to first speak with your colorectal specialist about the safest, healthiest ways to exercise in your individual case. However, many people can improve their fitness and work towards hemorrhoid prevention by choosing low-impact workouts like:

• Swimming. The support of the water around you will take pressure off the rectal area and provide little risk for injury. However, if you have external or bleeding hemorrhoids, swimming may not be a wise choice. Ask your colorectal specialist before diving in.
• Yoga. Despite its meditative nature, yoga is an excellent way to build muscle strength without lifting weights. Yoga can also promote stress relief and improve flexibility.
• Gentle cardiovascular workouts. Running, jogging and walking are all versatile and accessible workouts and can help you promote your health without worsening hemorrhoids. Marathons, however, are not “gentle” and may further evoke hemorrhoids. Friction can irritate existing hemorrhoids, so it helps to apply petroleum jelly to the anal area to minimize friction before engaging in any of these activities.

Exercising with hemorrhoids in Los Angeles can seem like a pain, but it can be a big help in preventing recurrence. Remember to always check with your colorectal specialist before adding new, strenuous activities to your workout routine.