Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum that cause discomfort, itching, and sometimes bleeding. This common condition affects many adults. While diet and topical treatments are common, physical activity also plays a role in alleviating or preventing symptoms.
How Exercise Alleviates Symptoms
Regular physical activity helps manage hemorrhoid symptoms by influencing several bodily functions. Exercise promotes healthy digestion and bowel regularity, reducing constipation. Constipation and associated straining are common causes of hemorrhoid flare-ups, as straining increases pressure on rectal veins.
Exercise also enhances circulation, including in the rectal area. Improved blood flow reduces venous pressure in the anal canal, lessening swelling and inflammation. Maintaining a healthy body weight through exercise can also reduce pressure on the pelvic floor, a factor contributing to hemorrhoid development. Exercise indirectly strengthens core and pelvic floor muscles, supporting the rectal area and aiding easier bowel movements without undue straining.
Beneficial Exercises
Certain exercises are safe and beneficial for individuals with hemorrhoids. Low-impact aerobic activities, such as walking, improve circulation and support digestion, leading to more regular bowel movements. Swimming offers a full-body workout while water’s buoyancy minimizes pressure on the pelvic region, making it a comfortable option even with active symptoms. Stationary cycling is also a suitable choice, as it avoids jarring movements and hard surfaces that might aggravate symptoms.
Pelvic floor exercises, often called Kegels, involve contracting and relaxing muscles that support the bladder and bowels. Strengthening these muscles improves bladder and bowel function, reducing the need to strain during defecation and alleviating pressure on rectal veins. Gentle stretching and yoga poses, like Child’s Pose or Legs Up-the-Wall Pose, can increase circulation around the anus, relieve constipation, and promote relaxation without excessive abdominal or pelvic pressure.
Exercises to Avoid
Some exercises can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms and should be avoided. Heavy lifting, such as squats or deadlifts, and activities requiring breath-holding and straining, like certain weightlifting maneuvers or sit-ups, significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure. This increased pressure can worsen existing hemorrhoids by forcing more blood into the swollen veins.
Activities involving prolonged sitting or direct pressure on the perianal area can also be problematic. Intense cycling on a hard seat or using rowing machines with improper form may irritate hemorrhoids or cause discomfort. High-impact activities like jumping or running on hard surfaces may cause jarring that could aggravate symptoms, especially if hemorrhoids are inflamed or painful. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional before starting or modifying an exercise routine, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.