Hemorrhoids Specialist

Hemorrhoids are painful, embarrassing, and so common that 50% of adults develop them by age 50. The experts at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC provide both effective non-surgical and surgical hemorrhoid treatments that stop the pain and prevents future problems. Schedule an evaluation today at any of the offices in Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Alexandria, Gainesville, Woodbridge, or Lansdowne, Virginia, or use their secure online service to request an appointment.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that may develop internally within the rectum or externally under the skin around the anus. They are very similar to varicose veins. Both types can bleed, but external hemorrhoids usually cause the burning, itchy discomfort that most people think of when describing this common condition.

However, internal hemorrhoids can become quite painful if they drop or prolapse through the anus. External hemorrhoid pain increases significantly if the swollen vein becomes engorged with blood and develops a clot (thrombus).  

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoid symptoms can vary depending on type and size and may include:

• Painless, bright red blood with bowel movements
• Hard, painful lump near the anus
• Itching and irritation around the anus
• Increased discomfort with sitting or bowel movements

Hemorrhoids are not considered life-threatening, and symptoms often clear after a few days with home care such as sitz baths and topical creams that reduce inflammation.

You should schedule an evaluation at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC if you develop rectal bleeding or black tarry stools to rule out other, sometimes serious, conditions such as anal fissure, gastric ulcers, or colorectal cancer.

What causes hemorrhoids?

It’s unclear why some people develop hemorrhoids and others don’t. However, hemorrhoids are likely due to increased pressure on anal and rectal veins that may occur with:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Excess weight
• Pregnancy
• Heavy lifting during exercise routines or work activities
• Prolonged sitting, including on the toilet during bowel movements

Age can also play a role. While anyone can develop hemorrhoids, they are more common with adults over the age of 40.

How do you treat hemorrhoids?

Non-Surgical Treatments

When hemorrhoid pain does not clear up on its own, occurs frequently, or becomes significant, your FCRS provider may recommend non-surgical treatments such as:

• Rubber Band Ligation

During this quick in-office procedure, your provider places a small medical-grade rubber band around the hemorrhoid. This eliminates blood flow to the problematic vein, causing it to wither and fall off over 7 to 10 days.

• Infrared Coagulation (IRC)

Best for small or bleeding hemorrhoids, infrared coagulation uses light energy to seal the targeted hemorrhoid. Your FCRS provider may recommend repeating this in-office procedure to ensure effectiveness.

Surgical Treatments

• Hemorrhoidectomy

If your hemorrhoids do not respond to any of the above non-surgical treatments, an outpatient surgery called a “hemorrhoidectomy” may be required. Learn more about a hemorrhoidectomy procedure.

Schedule an evaluation at FCRS today for expert hemorrhoid treatment and tips for preventing them in the future. Call their office or request an appointment online.