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Anal Fissures

Anal discomfort, whether it be from hemorrhoids or anal fissures is a lot more common than one may think it is. Because many people are too embarrassed to share if they are suffering from anal pain, it can be easy to feel alone in an anal fissure diagnosis. At Arizona Hemorrhoid & Anorectal Center we are dedicated to helping you live a pain-free life with our discreet and effective treatments.

Information About Anal Fissures

What Are Anal Fissures?

An anal fissure is characterized as a crack or tear in the lining of your anal canal. The anal canal is made of soft moist tissue at the end of your digestive tract where your stool exists the body. They can cause pain or bleeding from the rectum as well as muscle spasms, especially during bowel movements. Anal fissures are most commonly caused by anal trauma such as excessive straining when trying to pass hard stool or constipation. Anal fissures can occur in individuals of any age but are quite common in infants.

Anal Fissures Signs and Symptoms

Anal fissures have similar symptoms to hemorrhoids but differ in their causes. While hemorrhoids are caused by repeated straining, anal fissures are caused by trauma to the anal canal. Common symptoms of anal fissures include sharp pain when pooping, burning or itching, fresh blood in your stool, anal muscle spasms, and a lump under the skin near the tear. Most people with an anal fissure feel pain while pooping, and this pain lasts anywhere from seconds, to minutes, to hours afterward. This pain can be described as a burning, sharp, or tearing pain that can sometimes travel to the buttocks, upper thigh, or lower back.

Anal Fissures Treatment

In the case that you are diagnosed with acute anal fissures, they will commonly go away and heal on their own. They may not need treatment to heal, but a prescription lidocaine cream can be used to help ease any discomfort. Anal fissures that require medical intervention can be treated with the following medications: nitroglycerin ointment, calcium channel blockers, Botox, or laxatives. If your anal fissures do not heal with medication or continue to come back after treatment, a medical procedure may be necessary for ensuring the fissures do not return. A procedure called an internal sphincterotomy permanently releases tension on your sphincter muscles by making small cuts. This is done while you are asleep, and after the procedure, you are able to go home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anal Fissures

What is an anal fissure?

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools or straining during bowel movements. It can cause sharp pain and bleeding during or after defecation.

What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?

Common symptoms include a tearing or burning sensation during bowel movements, bright red blood on the toilet paper, and sometimes a visible tear or small lump near the anus. Pain may persist for hours after a bowel movement in more severe cases.

How is an anal fissure treated?

Most anal fissures heal with conservative treatments like stool softeners, warm sitz baths, and topical ointments to reduce pain and promote healing. Chronic or non-healing fissures may require medical procedures such as Botox injections or minor surgery.

Can anal fissures be prevented?

Maintaining soft stools through a high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, and regular exercise can help prevent fissures. Avoiding straining and responding promptly to the urge to pass a stool can also reduce your risk.

When should I see a doctor for an anal fissure?

If symptoms last longer than a few weeks, occur frequently, or cause significant pain or bleeding, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. Persistent fissures may indicate an underlying condition or require more advanced treatment.

Our Hemorrhoid Experts

Board Certified Surgeons

Our colorectal experts and experienced surgeons are dedicated to providing outstanding colorectal care over multiple issues within Colon and Rectal Health. We are proud to offer full treatments of all grades of hemorrhoids and anorectal conditions to meet the needs of each of our patients.

Aalok Sahai, MD

Board Certified Colorectal Surgeon

Paul Tender, MD

Board Certified Colorectal Surgeon

Rohit Sahai, MD

General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about our anal fissure treatments, please reach out to Arizona Hemorrhoid & Anorectal Center at Sonoran Surgical in San Tan Valley, AZ, by calling us at (480) 646-8440. To schedule a consultation, you can head to our website to fill out an online contact form.