Hemorrhoids

Around half of adults over 50 have hemorrhoids, and they’re common among younger Americans as well. At Widmeyer Optimal Wellness, quadruple board-certified vascular surgeon Jeff Widmeyer, MD, offers the most advanced hemorrhoid treatments like rubber band ligation and infrared coagulation in the Lynchburg, Virginia, office. To learn more about how office-based treatments can stop your hemorrhoid symptoms in as little as a week, call the office or book your appointment through the online feature now.  

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in two areas:

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids appear in the skin around the anus. They may feel like hard bumps and often cause anal itching, aching, or pain. 

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are within the rectum. They're not visible unless they prolapse (protrude through the anus). This type of hemorrhoid is often painless, with the most common symptoms being bright red blood in your bowel movements, toilet water, or on toilet tissue. But, a prolapsed hemorrhoid can be very painful. 

Widmeyer Optimal Wellness offers the most advanced evidence-based treatments for internal and external hemorrhoids. 

How are hemorrhoids treated?

Dr. Widmeyer performs several highly effective procedures to treat hemorrhoids. 

Infrared coagulation

Infrared coagulation treats small and medium-sized internal hemorrhoids. During this advanced treatment, Dr. Widmeyer focuses a concentrated beam of infrared light on the veins. Infrared light heats the affected veins, causing the blood to clot and cutting off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply. Following infrared coagulation, the hemorrhoid shrinks, and your symptoms recede. 

Rubber band ligation

Rubber band ligation is a treatment for internal hemorrhoids. It involves tying the hemorrhoid off at its base, cutting its blood supply. The hemorrhoid then shrinks, and you’ll experience symptom relief. 

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a treatment for problem veins. It involves the injection of chemicals that irritate the vein lining and lead to withering. Just as it effectively resolves spider and varicose veins, sclerotherapy can shrink smaller internal hemorrhoids.

If you have external hemorrhoids, Dr. Widmeyer can explain your treatment options, from lifestyle changes to surgical removal. 

What happens after hemorrhoid treatment?

After your hemorrhoid treatment, you might experience anal bleeding for 7-10 days as you heal. Avoid taking aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for four or five days before and after treatment to minimize bleeding risk.

It’s also normal to feel some discomfort and fullness in your lower belly after rubber band ligation. Most hemorrhoid treatments have minimal downtime, and you can typically return to your regular activities either the next day or within a few days. 

Dr. Widmeyer has 22-plus years of experience with all types of vein treatments, including hemorrhoid care. You can trust Widmeyer Optimal Wellness for the most innovative hemorrhoid treatments and lasting results. To learn more, call the office or book your appointment online today.