Thrombosed Hemorrhoid Treatment: What to Expect

When you develop a hemorrhoid, it can be excruciating and frustrating to deal with. However, that pain and discomfort can ramp up if a blood clot develops inside the hemorrhoid, which is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. 

In many cases, you can treat hemorrhoids with conservative, at-home remedies, even when they become thrombosed. However, you may need professional care if the pain persists for weeks and shows no improvement.

At Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Town and Country, Missouri, Betsy F. Clemens, MD, and the rest of our team understand how frustrating it can be to develop a thrombosed hemorrhoid. 

So, in this month’s blog, we discuss some common causes and symptoms of a thrombosed hemorrhoid and your treatment options if you develop one. 

Common causes and symptoms of a thrombosed hemorrhoid

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that form either inside your rectum (internal) or outside your anus (external). Sometimes, they don’t cause any symptoms, but other times, they can cause itching, bleeding, and pain while sitting, standing, or using the toilet. 

Anything that puts undue pressure on the veins in your rectum can cause a hemorrhoid, though some factors and conditions can heighten your risk for one, including:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Intense physical exertion, especially repeated heavy lifting
• Sitting for prolonged periods
• Obesity
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Not using the toilet when you have the urge to go

Experts aren’t quite sure why some hemorrhoids develop blood clots while others don’t. If you develop a thrombosed hemorrhoid, it will most likely become significantly more painful, especially within the first 48 hours. You may also notice that the blood clot inside turns the hemorrhoid bluish.

Treatment options for a thrombosed hemorrhoid

If you catch your thrombosed hemorrhoid within 72 hours of the blood clot developing, Dr. Clemens can effectively drain the clot and relieve pain. However, if you’ve passed that 72-hour window, at-home measures will be the way to go. 

For effective treatment and pain management while the thrombosed hemorrhoid heals, try out these home remedies:

• Take warm, shallow baths to keep your anal area clean (sitz baths)
• Keep your anal area clean and dry
• Increase your intake of fiber to keep bowel movements regular
• Apply topical ointments and creams for pain

The hemorrhoid may take a few weeks to heal, but these methods should help the process go smoothly. 

If you’re still having a lot of pain and other hemorrhoid symptoms, such as itching and bleeding, further measures may be needed, such as a hemorrhoidectomy. This is a surgical removal method that’s done under general anesthesia and is highly effective for addressing hemorrhoids that aren’t responding to other treatments.  

For expert treatment and relief from thrombosed hemorrhoids, look no further than Dr. Clemens and our Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center team. Call our office or use our online booking feature to schedule an appointment today.