If you suffer from hemorrhoids in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles, you may be understandably apprehensive about exercise. After all, we’ve already told you about the increased risk of hemorrhoids due to weight lifting, and the uncomfortable problem can make the movement of any kind seem like more pain than gain.
While it’s true that certain forms of exercise can worsen hemorrhoids, this is not always the case. Because sitting for prolonged periods of time can complicate hemorrhoids due to the increased pressure on the rectal area, any activity that gets you on your feet will help. Physical activity will also improve your digestive functioning and help you avoid the excess weight that frequently contributes to hemorrhoid development.
Regular physical activity can relieve pressure on your anal and rectal veins, but it’s important to carefully select your method of exercise to prevent hemorrhoids from worsening.
Activities to Avoid with Hemorrhoids:
- Weight lifting. Breathing improperly while weightlifting can put increased pressure on your internal organs and lead to the development or exacerbation of hemorrhoids. Though it is possible to lift weights in a safe way that will not cause hemorrhoids, strength training is inadvisable for anyone who already suffers from a hemorrhoid.
- Cycling, horseback riding, and other seated activities. Sitting on a bike seat or other object during exercise puts extra pressure on the affected area and can cause pain. Avoid any strenuous activity that can be done while seated, including those that involve exercise machines.
Recommended Activities for Hemorrhoid Sufferers
Though many activities can be appropriate for those with hemorrhoids, you should always consult your colorectal specialist before starting any kind of strenuous exercise to ensure that you won’t exacerbate your symptoms.
- Walking, jogging, and running. Because these activities can be done by just about anyone, anywhere, at any time, they may be your first choice in treating hemorrhoids with exercise. However, you should still be cautious—the friction caused by these activities can irritate existing hemorrhoids. Applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the anal area can reduce friction and prevent hemorrhoids from getting worse.
- Swimming. This activity will take pressure off the anal area, but care should be taken with external and bleeding hemorrhoids. If you have any doubts about the safety of swimming in your particular case, don’t hesitate to ask your colorectal specialist.
- Yoga. With its gentle movements and meditative approach, yoga can be a calming and beneficial exercise even with hemorrhoids. Just take care in poses done from a seated position, as these may put increased strain on hemorrhoids.
Living with hemorrhoids can be a pain, but you don’t have to let them take control of your daily life. By choosing your exercise activities carefully, you can get a good workout even with hemorrhoids.
