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About Anal Pain Consultations offered in Merrifield and Fair Oaks, Fairfax, Alexandria, Gainesville and Lansdowne, VA
Anal pain is a symptom of many anorectal disorders. Though not an easy symptom to discuss with your doctor, you shouldn’t ignore your anal pain. At Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, the board-certified colon and rectal surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating anal pain at their offices in Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Alexandria, Gainesville, Woodbridge, and Lansdowne, Virginia. To get help for your anal pain, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.
Anal Pain Q & A
What is anal pain?
Anal pain refers to any discomfort you feel in or around your anus or rectum. The pain may be mild or severe and cause other symptoms such as rectal bleeding.
The pain may develop suddenly and resolve quickly or be a chronic or recurring problem.
What causes anal pain?
Many conditions may cause anal pain. Some of the more common causes include:
Anal abscess
An anal abscess is an anal gland infection in which the gland fills with pus.
Anal fissure
Anal fissures are tiny tears in the anal tissue. This injury causes severe pain following a bowel movement that may last for hours.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids don’t always cause pain. However, you may have anal pain if you develop a blood clot in external hemorrhoids, or thrombosed hemorrhoids.
Anal cancer
Anal cancer is rare but can cause anal pain that worsens over time.
Infection
You can also develop anal pain from a fungal infection or a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects the pelvic floor muscles, which may result in anal pain.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic disease that may cause inflammation anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, including the anus. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are types of IBDs.
When should I seek professional help for anal pain?
You should seek professional help for your anal pain at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, if your discomfort fails to go away within a day or two or you have other concerning symptoms such as rectal bleeding or fever.
Your provider at FCRS performs a thorough history and physical to determine the underlying cause of your anal pain. They review your symptoms, medical history, family history, and bowel habits.
Your provider does a physical examination, including a digital rectal exam. They may also perform an anoscopy, an endoscopic procedure that allows your provider to evaluate the lining of your anus and rectum.
What are the treatments for anal pain?
Treatment for your anal pain depends on the cause. Your provider at FCRS talks to you about their findings and treatment recommendations.
Treatment for anal pain may include:
- High-fiber diet
- Increase in fluid intake
- Warm tub baths (sitz baths)
- Change in bathroom routine (no prolonged sitting)
- Topical ointments to ease pain
- Disease-specific medication
In some cases, your provider may recommend surgery to correct the root cause of your anal pain to ease symptoms.
For expert care of your anal pain, call Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, or schedule an appointment online today.