Exercise, and particularly cardio exercise, improves your cardiovascular and respiratory health, enhances your muscular fitness, improves your mood, and burns calories. In addition to all these benefits, certain types of exercise can decrease your risk for hemorrhoids. On the other hand, other forms of exercise can make hemorrhoids worse. Don't let your hemorrhoids deter you from exercising. Just choose the right exercise.
Internal Hemorrhoids
Many people have hemorrhoids and don't even know it. Internal hemorrhoids form deep in the anal passageway and often cause no discomfort or only minor irritation. These pose no significant risk to your health. The only way to even know that you have hemorrhoids is that you might have some blood in your stool. The blood will usually be a bright red. If you notice blood in your stool, consult with a doctor to make sure you don't have any other potentially more serious conditions.
External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids form on the rim of the anus. They present as red or purple masses, but unless you are a master contortionist or handy with a mirror, it is unlikely you'll diagnose them by visual inspection. You'll know when you have one because they cause pain, itching and tenderness. They might also discharge mucus or blood. External hemorrhoids are usually small, but they can grow to be the size of a golf ball. If you have continued discomfort or pain, see your doctor, who can help evaluate the severity of the problem and recommend treatments.
Causes
Most people develop hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. Hemorrhoids occur when veins in the anal tract or around the anus dilate and form a small, balloon-like engorgement. As you age, your veins lose some of their elasticity and you become more vulnerable to hemorrhoids. The anal tract runs through the lowest part of the circulatory system that channels blood from your heart to your liver. Gravity contributes to a tendency for blood to pool in this area, but certain conditions can trigger hemorrhoids in those who are vulnerable. Chronic constipation causes you to apply pressure to evacuate your bowels, and muscle strain from heavy lifting can also dilate the veins around the anus.
Exercises and Activities to Avoid
If you suffer from hemorrhoids currently, avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort. Horseback riding, cycling or rowing can place extra pressure on sensitive areas. Don't do activities during acute episodes that put pressure on your lower back and lower abdomen, including weightlifting or resistance training.
Exercise That Helps
Exercise that increases blood flow delivers nutrients and oxygen to the affected area, reducing inflammation. Cardio exercise like walking, running and swimming can reduce symptoms and also decrease the risk of developing hemorrhoids by enhancing vascular elasticity. Exercise such as yoga enhances muscle tone in the tender area and strengthens supportive tissue. If you tend to develop hemorrhoids, do specific exercises that tone and strengthen your sphincter muscles. While you are standing or sitting, you can do "buttocks press" exercises by tightening and then relaxing your buttocks muscles.
Diet
Don't count on exercise alone. Include plenty of fiber in your diet to enhance motility of your bowels, and drink fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated and prevent constipation. Consult your doctor if you have discomfort, pain or blood in your stool.
