Hemorrhoids Relief – Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Now!
Hemorrhoids are swelling or puffiness and aching protrusions present in the rectum. They are scratchy, hurting and agonizing too, not to forget the embarrassment one feels. It is somewhat one would not feel like to explain to a doctor also. Nevertheless, the ache or hurt will generally leave no choice. Though there are various ways to cure hemorrhoids present today, it would be great to select for the kind of hemorrhoid treatment that will cause no additional pain. Luckily, presently there are many hemorrhoids treatments that are trouble-free relieving from pain. These treatments are very much confined and do not engage you in surgery.
One simple and natural painless method for getting relief for Hemorrhoids also called piles is by drinking plenty of water and eating fiber-rich foods. It also helps if you eat a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses and whole grains.
A simple form of treatment for hemorrhoid relief, mainly for mild problems, is the use of an injection of medicine in the mucous membrane at the site or effected part. The pain part is taken care by the age old procedure of anesthesia. This injection gives a soothing and comforting feeling to the body. This injection works by contracting the blood vessels and it reduces the size of hemorrhoid too. One more process is bipolar electrotherapy which also hits at the mucous membrane close to the region affected through a directed coagulation effect.
Hemorrhoidolysis involve the utilization of therapeutic galvanic waves on the hemorrhoid. By this method the effected part's size gets reduced, and also softens it by a chemical reaction. This is one of the best methods to tackle with the internal hemorrhoids available today.
11+ Proven Herbs For Hemorrhoid Relief
Lately, it seems that everybody and their brother is promoting natural remedies for hemorrhoids. A Google search of the phrase "best herbal hemorrhoid treatment" serves up over 500,000 pages...most of which are devoted to selling you the latest magic formula.
Since I have suffered from itching, pain and bleeding for over a year, I would love to get some lasting relief. Unfortunately, the old standby, Preparation H, wasn't relieving my symptoms all that much. I even have a referral pending to a--ahem--rectal specialist. (Can't say I'm really looking forward to that visit.)
To be honest, in my misery I actually downloaded one of those "miracle" home remedies books online. However, I stopped short at using their recommended "alum sitz bath." Alum is a powerful shrinking agent that can completely dry out irritated tissues, causing further misery. No thank you!
In the meantime, I've been taking psyllium husk capsules from my local vitamin shop. Taken at night with plenty of water, a teaspoon's worth of psyllium naturally keeps bowel movements large, yet soft. And people with hemorrhoids want that, because soft, bulky stools reduce irritation and allow healing.
Unfortunately for us chronic sufferers, there is no "cure" short of corrective surgery.
Any natural hemorrhoids treatment should be just one part of a long-term lifestyle change that corrects some of the common causes, such as constipation, poor circulation, and obesity.
Based on my own research and experience, some of the time-tested herbal or natural remedies really do help relieve some of the most distressing symptoms. They can be a safe, effective complement to a new and improved diet and wellness routine.
Sure, natural treatments may be gentle and safe. But, you ask: do they work as well as regular ointments or pain relievers? Really, how can I be sure that a "natural" hemorrhoid remedy isn't just a total waste of money? The popular interest in alternative and traditional medicine has fueled an increasing number of clinical studies demonstrating that certain herbs are very effective in relieving anal pain, itching and bleeding.
The following is a list of herbals with documented positive effects on the most troublesome symptoms.*
Horse Chestnut: The Europeans have approved dietary horse chestnut extract as an accepted treatment for venous insufficiency, a condition in which circulation to the legs is impaired. In the U.S., the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, an independent council that evaluates alternative therapies, gives horse chestnut an "A" grade for the treatment of venous insufficiency because of the breadth of documented evidence. Since hemorrhoids can be aggravated by circulatory problems, some drug researchers--and marketers--speculate that anything which increases the body's circulatory capacity must therefore be of benefit. So, horse chestnut to the rescue! Warning: Because raw horse chestnut contains potent toxins, only use products containing the processed, refined extract (called "HCSE"). Butcher's Broom: Its active compound, ruscogen, is an anti-inflammatory which can shrink and heal swollen hemorrhoidal tissues. Butcher's broom is usually taken orally as a dietary supplement. Since there are at least two studies reporting contact dermatitis after using anal ointments containing ruscogens, stick with the supplement form. Bioflavonoids: These plant metabolites, such as diosmin, hesperidin and rutin, are becoming more widely used as dietary supplements to treat circulatory ailments. Dietary products containing extracts of bilberry or citrus fruits promote vein strength and tone. Bioflavonoids also help reduce inflammation and swelling. Most famously, bioflavonoids are potent anti-oxidants, promoting tissue repair throughout the body. Psyllium seed husk: For constipation relief plus great digestion, try formulas with a blend of psyllium and spirulina algae (which help make a good home for lactobacilli and other beneficial intestinal bacteria) or chlorella algae (rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants). Psyllium husk powder is so gentle, doctors often recommend it to ease the pain of that first bowel movement after childbirth, hemorrhoidectomy or fissure repair. Reminder: You must drink at least one full glass of water per teaspoon of psyllium powder. Witch Hazel: This tissue-shrinking herb is a time-honored treatment for hemorrhoids. Apply with a cotton ball a few times a day to soothe swollen, inflamed anal tissues. You can also buy processed witch hazel powder at health food stores and make your own cooling compress. Yarrow: Another astringent herb, yarrow can be boiled into a tea and applied with a cotton ball several times a day. This will help stop minor anal bleeding. Chamomile: Contains oily substances known as bisabolols and chamazulenes, which are proven to soothe irritated tissues. In fact, many top-of-the-line skin care products contain these extracts. A 1996 German study measured the effectiveness of chamomile-based ointment on hemorrhoid surgery patients: they healed faster than those who didn't receive the ointment. Mullein: Mullein is an herb that has been proven in laboratory research, such as a 2007 Turkish study, to help relieve localized pain such as earache. The oil, readily available from health food stores, can be applied directly to anal tissues without problem. Cypress and Frankincense: Resins from these trees have been used throughout history as antiseptics and anti-inflammatories. Traditional Chinese piles remedies often contain these healing botanicals. The literature shows mild vein-constricting effects, which can be helpful in promoting good anal circulation. Geranium: Extracts called "geraniols" are showing promise in the treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids. Geraniols also possess antiseptic and pain-relieving properties. Aloe: Did you know that you can freeze a sliver of aloe vera plant and insert it as a soothing suppository? Aloe, the age-old burn remedy, relieves anal pain and swelling. Bonus: No side effects. Common Household Ingredients: Some dietary staples have been proven to help some people escape hemorrhoid pain. Peeled garlic cloves, peeled onion slivers, and raw potato are reported to ease swelling. Even the horrific-sounding cayenne and garlic enema has some basis in fact: the same chemicals that make cayenne "hot" also work as pain relievers. Personally, I think you'd have to be really desperate to even think of trying a spicy enema. But medical research does exist to support the use of capsaicin and hot pepper extracts in pain management.
Remember, herbs are not inert substances. They may conflict with other herbs, or even medicines. But typically, herbal-based treatments have few to no side effects when used as directed. As always, do your homework before buying any herbal ointment, oil, or capsule. And ask your doctor if you're still not sure.
Space doesn't permit full reference citations here; a search of PubMed on any given herb will show you at least a decade's worth of reputable science.
Is Your Big Toe Suffering From Joint Pain and Swelling? Gout vs Bunion
Feet and toes are abused daily and taken for granted until a problem comes up causing you to focus your attention to the problem area. Common problems include dryness, redness and cracking which can be attributed to improper care and poor maintenance. If you are suffering from joint pain and swelling of the big toe, it could be the common bunion.
Bunions are areas of the big toe that can become red and sensitive. Usually the symptoms develop over a period of time and can manifest themselves like:
o The base of the Big toe is swollen and irritated
o The toe is abnormally bent toward the inside of the foot toward the smaller toes.
o The toe is red and can be painful at the joint base.
Usually this is the result of wearing high heeled shoes if you have narrow toes. Common padding can be used to help relief pain, irritation and potential infection, but surgery may be necessary to re-align the toe to the proper position. Bunions can occur in one or both feet.
Gout is a form of arthritis and can be felt as an immediate sharp pain in the big toe without notice. You can awake with twinges of pain and soreness in your big toe without knowing the cause. The pain may last for several days and go away but the condition can re-surface at any time as you grow older.
Over 2 million people in the U.S. alone deal with gout and most often it afflicts men more than women. Gout usually develops in men over 30 and can be more likely to occur if overweight and diagnosed with high blood pressure. Women can suffer from gout, but usually post menopausal women are affected more. Gout most likely affects the big toe first,but can cause issues in wrists, knees and other joints.
In summary, proper sizing of your footwear is important in keeping your feet healthy from issues like bunions. Bunions are preventable where gout is a more serious issue to contend with. If you are dealing with joint pain and swelling in your big toe, your shoes may be the root cause.
Recovering From Hiatal Hernia Surgery
Hiatal hernia surgery is a major operation performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made into the abdomen that require a few weeks to heal. Your stomach is pulled out of the esophagus and because of this, these organs must also be allowed to heal before a normal diet can be resumed.
After hiatal hernia surgery, you will have the nasal gastric tube in place for draining out stomach acid. You will not be allowed to eat for two or three days or until the tube is removed. You will recover in the hospital for a period of one to six days before being sent home to finish recuperation.
By the time you return home your incisions will have begun to heal but you may still have optional dressings on. You may want to wear one for comfort's sake because it will prevent friction between your incision and your clothing. Follow your doctor's instructions concerning the care of your incisions. You will probably be allowed to get your incision wet, and you may be instructed to apply ointment. However, do not put anything on your incision if you have not been instructed to do so.
You may be discharged with medications to take during your recovery. This might include antibiotics and prescription painkillers. Take all medications according to label instructions. Do not stop taking your antibiotics even if you feel well. Do not drink alcohol when you are taking prescription painkillers and do not combine prescription painkillers with over the counter pain relief medications.
You must resume your normal daily activities slowly after hiatal hernia surgery. Initially you will be allowed to shower, take walks, ride in the car, use stairs, and lift up to 2 pounds. However, you should not drive for two weeks and you must use caution when bending, lifting, or twisting your body for three months after your surgery.
When you return home, you should eat small amounts more frequently throughout the day. For the first two weeks after hiatal hernia surgery, you should only consume clear liquids. This includes foods like water, broth, ice chips, fruit juice, jello, and popsicles. You should not eat solid foods, thick liquids, soft drinks, candy, or chew gum. Start with 1/2 cup of liquid and gradually consume more until you can drink 1 cup at a time.
Starting on the third week after your surgery, you can add soft foods like milkshakes, yogurt, pudding, oatmeal, and strained soups. On the fifth week after surgery, you can add mushy foods like pasta, fish, applesauce, cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, ground beef, and soft fruits. You should continue to avoid meat, bread, and raw vegetables.
Because your upper digestive tract has to heal following hiatal hernia surgery, you must be careful not to irritate it with hard or sharp foods for up to three months after surgery. In addition, it will take approximately three months for your incisions to fully heal so that you can continue with regular activities that might include heavy lifting and bending.
When you first arrive home after your surgery, you should watch your incision for signs of infection. Call your doctor if you noticed any swelling, redness, or drainage from around your incision. You should also notify your doctor if you have a fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
It is possible that your doctor will give you specific instructions related to your particular medical condition. Above all else, follow your doctor's guidelines to ensure you have a speedy an uneventful recovery. Be sure to keep your follow-up appointments with your doctor so he can monitor your recovery from hiatal hernia surgery.
Stop Post Surgical Pain Before it Starts – Prevention
Many years ago, 1979 to be exact, I was hosting a seminar on the use of tens for pain, especially gas pain post surgically, and one of my guests was an anesthesiologist, Dr. Mazur. At that time a perplexing problem was how did tens reduce post operative pain and at our seminar we had two of the most knowledgeable physical therapists in the world explaining how tens worked to reduce pain, however none of the explanations appeared to address the "why" of post operative pain.
This was during the time that electrotherapy was showing it could accelerate bone repair ( non-union fractures) and soft tissue repair such as was seen in healing decubitus ulcers ( bed sores ). No one was actually advocating the use of electrotherapy for accelerating healing following surgery, but the level of sophistication for the industry, was simply post operative pain control.
I remember remarking to Dr. Mazur that I was sorry we could not supply a better answer about his use of tens for post operative pain to which he replied, and to this day I have always remembered the following.
"Bob that's not complicated at all. What is going on is upon the cutting of muscle tissue the tissue loses it's tension or tone and becomes flaccid. If this is in the abdominal areas then the flaccidity of the muscles allows the gas to increase and pain starts. The electricity being supplied externally is maintaining the muscle tone or restoring it quicker than you would have without it. To me it's no more complicated than that. "
I found that to be a pretty good answer, for the next two decades, until now. What is unfortunate is so many patients are suffering post operative pain needlessly, when it could be greatly reduced, if only upon closure an interferential unit were applied and the stimulation started. The old reasoning of Dr. Mazur still applies but now we know that electricity can actually accelerate tissue repair and the patient can regain normal function and mobility quicker by the addition of interferential.
This is not to say that in all post operative situations the use of interferential is necessary as it certainly is not. We've found through experience there are many situations where the pain is really not that great nor long lasting that the use of non habit forming drugs may be totally sufficient, but there are some surgeries that the patient is better served by the use of interferential post operatively.
Breast cancer surgery, thoracotomies, cancer surgeries, most intestinal surgeries, amputations, orthopedic surgeries such as knee replacements, hip joint replacements are some of the surgeries where the patient is better served by preventing undue pain rather than deal with it after it has started.
Of course anytime you cut tissue or bones there will be more pain than originally but the goal of good surgeons is to cause no further harm to their patients and reduce the painful episodes following the surgery.
I'm sure many folks are aware of patients who have refused additional needed surgeries such as in knee replacements and hip joint replacements in their other joint because of the pain following the first joint replacement surgery. We can help prevent this reaction now by preventing pain prior to surgery rather than trying to treat it after.
Easier to catch a horse in the barn rather than one you've let out to pasture.
P.S.




