Causes and Treatment of Swollen Painful External and Internal Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are masses of swollen veins in the lower rectum or at the anus. The condition develops from increased pressure in the veins in the lower rectum most often caused by straining to have a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids are varicose veins--that is, blood vessels that have become unusually swollen-hat show up in the rectal area. Hemorrhoids are typically anywhere from the size of a raisin to the size of a grape. Hemorrhoids are often itchy and can be very painful, especially in the first few days postpartum. You may find some bleeding in the rectal area especially after a bowel movement, this is normal.

Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women, and about half of the population in the United States will suffer from hemorrhoids at least once by age fifty.Hemorrhoids are swollen veins and excess tissue in the lower rectum and anus. They can cause pain, bleeding, and itching. Hemorrhoids are common among pregnant women because the pressure of the fetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, causes the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge.

External Hemorrhoids, however, are commonly associated with pain and itching as well as bleeding. Thus, most of the approximately 500.000 Americans who seek medical treatment for Hemorrhoids each year are afflicted with the external type of the swollen veins. External Hemorrhoids involve the veins outside the anus. They can be itchy or painful and can sometimes crack and bleed. External hemorrhoids may also be noticed by the presence of a small protruding from the skin tagsanus or of a bulging vein type protusion around the anus.

Internal Hemorrhoids can range from small, swollen veins in the wall of the anal canal to large, sagging veins and tissue that bulge out of the anus all the time. Internal Hemorrhoids can be painful if they protrudes from all the time and are squeezed by the anal muscles, or if they are thrombosed, or clotted. Internal Hemorrhoids usually develop due to chronic constipation and are also prone to develop during a woman's pregnancy period. Internal Hemorrhoids often do not cause a visible lump or pain, but they can bleed. Bleeding from Internal Hemorrhoids typically occurs with bowel movements, causing blood-streaked stool or toilet paper.

Hemorrhoids treatment can be external or internal, or both together depending on thenature of the condition. Medicated pads contain witch hazel procurable commercially, that is a natural astringent drug which can help relieve irritation and reduce swelling. A few people are sensitive to astringents as well as the painkillers carried in hemorrhoid cream, thus care should be exercised when using these products. Natural treatments, such as Venapro, have shown to be effective in controlling and reversing symptoms dramatically.

Swollen Ankle Causes

Swelling of the ankles is basically due to a buildup of fluids in the tissues surrounding that area. It can be attributed to many causes such as edema, where due to improper circulation, fluid is trapped between the cells.

It can be a side effect from certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure. Arthritis can cause swelling as can the condition known as gout, where uric acid accumulates around the ankle causing swelling and inflammation.

Those who are obese are more prone to suffer from swelling ankles. Also the use of certain medications especially diuretics and laxatives tend to cause the ankles to swell up.

Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to swelling in the ankles. Senior citizens are more likely to have this condition as the cartilage in the joints starts to degenerate.

Blood clots will cause the ankles and feet to swell. These are known as vascular obstructions. And of course injuries to the area such as sprains and breaks will cause swelling.

If the liver is not functioning correctly, then fluids and salts will start to accumulate in the feet. This may be due to cirrhosis of the liver.

For women, pregnancy can be a cause of swelling ankles. This condition is usually just a temporary condition, but if there is a lot of swelling, it could be a sign of toxemia or even pre-eclampsia.

It is important to seek professional medical advice if this is a recurring problem. This due to the fact that swelling of the ankles can be an early sign of more serious problems down the road such as kidney, heart, and liver complications. Through a complete physical examination and a range of other tests including kidney function tests, electrocardiograms, urine tests, blood tests and x-rays, a diagnosis can be made.

If you stand for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces such as concrete, then you may have problems with your feet and swelling. Gel insoles and rubber mats may help somewhat.

And of course proper footwear will have a great effect on your feet. For women especially who wear the latest designer shoes, in particular, high heels. The high heels offer no ankle support at all leading to a great deal of strain around that area and in effect cause it to swell.

There are a few things you can do to help yourself. You should always try to elevate your feet when sitting. Wear looser fitting clothing. compression stockings will help stop some of the fluid buildup. Exercising, cutting down on salt intake and drinking enough water everyday will help in most cases.