The Evolution of Hemorrhoid Treatments

Posted on by

The history of hemorrhoid (Piles) treatments spans thousands of years, reflecting the enduring prevalence of this condition throughout human history. Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed blood vessels in the rectum and anus that can cause discomfort and pain. Here is a brief overview of the evolution of hemorrhoid treatments:


Ancient Times: Some of the earliest recorded references to hemorrhoids date back to ancient civilizations. Ancient Egyptians, around 1700 BC, described treatments for hemorrhoids in medical papyri. They used concoctions made from herbs and plants to alleviate symptoms.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) documented treatments for hemorrhoids more than 2,000 years ago. TCM practitioners prescribed herbal remedies, acupuncture, and other holistic approaches to manage hemorrhoidal symptoms.

Ancient Greeks and Romans: Hippocrates, a prominent ancient Greek physician (circa 460-370 BC), advocated for dietary changes, exercise, and the use of herbal ointments to treat hemorrhoids. The Roman physician Galen (circa 130-210 AD) also recommended various herbal treatments.

Medieval Period: During the medieval era, treatments became more diverse and included methods like using leeches to draw blood from hemorrhoids or cauterization to remove swollen tissues.
Renaissance and Early Modern Period: In the Renaissance period, surgery began to emerge as a treatment option for severe hemorrhoids. However, these surgical procedures often led to high mortality rates due to infection and lack of anesthesia.

19th Century: As medical knowledge advanced, less invasive treatments were introduced. Rubber band ligation was developed during this period, which involved tying a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to wither and fall off.

20th Century: In the early 20th century, various creams, ointments, and suppositories containing local anesthetics, steroids, or vasoconstrictors were introduced to provide symptomatic relief from hemorrhoids.
Modern Era: Advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques have significantly improved hemorrhoid treatment outcomes. Procedures like hemorrhoidectomy, which involves surgical removal of hemorrhoids, and more advanced forms of rubber band ligation, have become common treatments for severe cases.

Minimally Invasive Techniques: In recent decades, the focus has shifted towards less invasive treatments for hemorrhoids, such as infrared coagulation, laser therapy, and sclerotherapy. These methods aim to reduce the discomfort and recovery time associated with traditional surgery.

Throughout history, people have explored various treatments to address the discomfort and pain caused by hemorrhoids. While some traditional remedies persist to this day, medical advancements have expanded the range of treatment options available to patients, allowing for more effective and less invasive management of this common condition. As with any medical concern, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment based on individual circumstances.

Note: One Stop Medical Center provides the service of hemorrhoid care. We have two office locations in Edina, Minnesota, and Casselberry, Florida. If you are interested in hemorrhoid care, Please fill out the online registration first, we will call you in 2 business days, or please call us at 1-888-992-0019 if any questions.

Management of Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid in Minnesota

Posted on by

It is not uncommon for patients in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas to call our clinic and ask for immediate help because they have painful bulging in the rectum. Through phone triages, we know they develop the thromobosed external hemorrhoid. We accommodate their visits and help to relieve their pain the same day.

Thrombosed external hemorrhoid is a common problem in Minnesota. It is usually a complication from the underlying disease – internal hemorrhoids. It occurs outside the anal verge when one or more varicose hemorrhoidal veins rupture and blood clots develop. Typical symptoms of thrombosed external hemorrhoids are sudden onset with severe rectal pain and tender bluish swelling in the anus.

The differential diagnosis of rectal pain includes anorectal abscess, anal fissure, and rectal pain due to spasm of anal sphincters.

These hemorrhoids are typically treated with either incision to remove the clot or with external hemorrhoidectomy. Simply draining the clot usually relieves the pain immediately, but it may not work well if multiple thromboses exist as it can also lead to recurrence, so it is better for patients with multiple thromboses to completely excise the thrombosed hemorrhoids.

If anyone in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas develops the sudden onset of severe rectal pain, please call us immediately. We will accommodate to your urgent medical needs.

Severity of Hemorrhoids | Minnesota

Posted on by

Initial symptoms of hemorrhoids are insidious and mild with occasional rectal itching, irritating or bleeding. Most people in the Minnesota don’t actively seek medical care in this stage. Treatment for hemorrhoids with mild discomfort involves steps that you can take on your own, such as lifestyle modifications and over-the counter (OTC) hemorrhoid creams; these OTC products contain ingredients, such as witch hazel or hydrocortisone that can relieve mild pain and itching, at least temporarily. Make sure you don’t use an OTC cream or other product for more than a few days, you should stop using it once the symptoms improve. These products can cause side effects, such as skin rash, inflammation and skin thinning.

With the worsening of hemorrhoids, symptoms occur more frequently, and then medical interventions and even surgical procedures are necessary. hemorrhoid treatments in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas depend on the severity of hemorrhoids. If hemorrhoids are treated early, more invasive surgical procedures can be avoided later.

The severity of hemorrhoids is classified based on the prolapse.
Grade 1: the hemorrhoids remain completely inside rectum, although symptoms may continue.
Grade 2: the hemorrhoids prolapse during defecation and they spontaneously return inside rectum on their own.
Grade 3: the hemorrhoids prolapse during defecation. They return inside rectum only by manually pushing them in.
Grade 4: the hemorrhoids are permanently prolapsed and stay outside rectum and cannot be manually pushed back inside.

Hemorrhoid Prevention Guide (Part 2) | Minnesota

Posted on by

There are many ways to prevent hemorrhoids or slow down the progression of hemorrhoids in Minnesota. One of the best ways to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft, so they pass easily.

To prevent hemorrhoids and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids, follow this guide (part 2):

  • Weight Reduction Obese patients in Minneapolis are 2-4 times more likely to develop hemorrhoids than the average patients, so weight loss may help to reduce the recurrence.
  • Treat the Underlying Diseases: People with other medical problems, such as liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and abdominal tumors are more likely to develop hemorrhoids. The treatment of these underlying medical diseases is important to prevent hemorrhoids.
  • Shower after Bowel Movement: You may program your bowel movement in the way that you always try to have bowel movements right before your regular shower. For example, if you are a morning person, you go to toilet first before you take a shower, so the anus is always clean without residual feces. Residual feces are irritable to the skin around anus. If you starting having recurrent symptoms, then a daily Sitz bath helps a lot to relieve the symptoms.
  • Early Treatment: Finally, once the hemorrhoids come back, you should immediately request an experienced practitioner in Minnesota to treat it. The earlier treated, the better the result. One Stop Medical Center serves the entire Twin Cities and offers the comprehensive hemorrhoids treatment in both Edina and Shoreview offices.