Hemorrhoids, or piles, are basically swollen veins around or within your anus and rectum. Any level of pressure within this area of the body can cause the walls of the blood vessels to bulge, resulting in their occurrence. This is why they often manifest from straining during a bowel movement. However, the increase in pressure needed to cause piles can also be the result of diarrhea, constipation and pregnancy. Even sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods of time can lead to a hemorrhoid. Treating hemorrhoids often entails a combination of topical medications and self-care. For some, self-care can include exercise.
Exercise
Lifestyle changes can help reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids and relieve associated symptoms. Increasing your intake of fiber is one of the more effective options, but you can also use exercise, such as jogging, to improve piles. Regular physical activity stimulates your intestinal muscles to contract. These contractions help stools pass at a faster rate, which relieves constipation. By improving constipation, you will reduce the amount of pressure placed on the veins in the anus and rectum.
Weight Loss
Regular physical activity can also help encourage weight loss, which may improve your hemorrhoids. Jogging, for example, causes you to expend more energy. The more energy you expend, the more calories you burn, leading to the caloric deficit necessary to lose weight. As you shed excess pounds, you relieve some of the pressure placed on the veins in the anus and rectum, so you may see an improvement in your condition.
Warning
While exercise can help improve hemorrhoids, it can also be problematic for some people. Physical activities like jogging can actually irritate piles. As you run, you can create enough friction to irritate and inflame a hemorrhoid. This may causes pain or discomfort in and around the anus.
Recommendation
Prior to getting ready for a run, consider applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the anal area. The petroleum jelly should reduce friction and avoid irritating or worsening your hemorrhoid. If you experience any bleeding or bloody stools associated with hemorrhoids, talk to your doctor. You want to ensure that the source of the bleeding is the swollen blood vessels and not another disorder.
