Hemorrhoids are a common condition involving swollen, enlarged vascular structures located inside the rectum or underneath the skin surrounding the anus. These cushions of tissue contain blood vessels and connective tissue, and they only cause symptoms when they become inflamed or distended. Approximately half of all people will experience symptomatic hemorrhoids by the age of 50, leading many to seek ways to maintain their normal routines and activity levels during a flare-up.
Is Walking Generally Safe?
Walking is considered a safe and beneficial activity, even during a hemorrhoid flare-up. This low-impact exercise helps manage the condition by stimulating bowel function and promoting regular movement, which prevents the straining often associated with worsening symptoms. Regular physical activity, such as a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes, increases circulation, including in the pelvic region, which can reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected veins.
The safety of walking depends on the current severity and type of the hemorrhoid. Mild symptoms, such as minor itching or slight discomfort, usually tolerate walking without issue. Conversely, a severe flare-up, a large prolapsed hemorrhoid, or one that has developed a blood clot (thrombosed) may be intensely painful and aggravated by any movement.
Physical Mechanisms of Discomfort
Pain during physical activity, particularly walking, results from direct irritation to the swollen tissue. External hemorrhoids, located beneath the skin where there are many pain-sensitive nerve endings, are especially prone to this discomfort. Movement that causes the skin around the anus to rub against the external tissue can lead to friction and pain.
A strenuous or high-impact walking style, such as power walking, can increase intra-abdominal pressure. This internal pressure pushes blood toward the affected area, causing the enlarged veins to swell further and become more painful. While walking is low-impact, a heavy or bouncing stride can still transmit jarring forces to the perianal area, intensifying the discomfort.
Practical Tips for Minimizing Irritation While Walking
Choosing the right clothing is a simple, effective way to reduce friction and irritation during a walk. Opt for loose-fitting garments made from breathable, natural fabrics like cotton, which help keep the area dry and minimize rubbing. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially those with thick seams that run along the groin or buttocks, as these can press against the sensitive tissue.
Applying a topical protectant before heading out creates a barrier against mechanical irritation. Over-the-counter products like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide cream can lubricate the external area, reducing friction from movement and clothing. Some individuals find relief by using a soft, thin protective pad to cushion the area and absorb moisture.
When modifying the activity, focus on maintaining a gentle, fluid gait that avoids heavy impact or bouncing motion. Keep walking sessions short during a painful flare-up, aiming for comfortable intervals of 15 to 20 minutes rather than long-distance treks. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during the walk helps maintain digestive health, supporting the goal of preventing constipation.
When to Prioritize Rest and Seek Medical Advice
While walking is encouraged for its health benefits, it should be stopped immediately if the pain becomes sharp, severe, or throbbing. Persistent, significant bleeding that is more than minor spotting on toilet paper is a clear sign that the activity is causing trauma and requires rest. Exercise should be paused until these acute symptoms subside.
Seek medical attention if you notice signs of a complication, such as a hard, acutely painful lump near the anus, which may indicate a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. If an internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed and cannot be gently pushed back inside, or if symptoms fail to improve after about a week of at-home care, a doctor’s assessment is necessary.