As an endurance athlete, you push your body to the limit on a regular basis. While endurance activities are fun, satisfying and great for heart health, repetitive exercise over long periods of time can worsen hemorrhoids. With planning and care, hemorrhoids won't have to slow you down.
Identification
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the anus. Sometimes they prolapse out of the anus and are external hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can be very small or can become swollen and painful. Hemorrhoids that occur inside the anus can bleed when you have a bowel movement. Risk factors for hemorrhoids include obesity, a history of pregnancy and age. If you strain with bowel movements, especially due to constipation, you may be at an increased risk of hemorrhoids.
Exercise
Endurance exercise can exacerbate hemorrhoids. Dehydration related to lengthy exercise sessions can lead to constipation, so as you train hard over long periods of time, make sure you drink plenty of water. Choose your exercise clothing carefully. External hemorrhoids can become irritated with repeated rubbing on ill-fitting underwear or exercise shorts. Bicyclists should choose and adjust bicycle seats with care to avoid worsening hemorrhoid pain and symptoms.
Treatment
The first-line treatment for hemorrhoids is careful attention to nutrition and hydration. Eat plenty of whole grains, including oatmeal and bran, and make sure you consume several servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Diets that are too low in fat can worsen constipation, so include heart-healthy fats like avocado and olive oil in your daily fare. Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and pads can assist with hemorrhoid symptoms, but be certain to see your doctor if your hemorrhoids persist or get worse.
Warning Signs
If you have hemorrhoids, you might notice bright red bleeding after running a marathon or racing a half-century. While it is common for hemorrhoids to cause bleeding, other serious medical problems can also cause rectal bleeding, so it is essential that you see your health care provider to be certain of the cause of your bleeding. Severe hemorrhoid pain, especially if it accompanies a very firm or tender hemorrhoid, should also be evaluated by your doctor, as that can be a sign of a thrombosed hemorrhoid, or one that contains a blood clot.
