Anal Fissure Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Anal fissures are a common condition seen in many Grand Rapids adults and children at local clinics and hospitals such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help you know when to seek care and how to prevent future problems.

What Is an Anal Fissure?

An anal fissure is a small tear or split in the lining of the anus (the anal mucosa).

Stool (poop) is stored in the rectum and then passes through the anus when you have a bowel movement. The anus is surrounded by a ring of muscle (the anal sphincter) that helps you control when you pass stool. When this delicate tissue tears, it can be very painful.

Symptoms of an Anal Fissure

Common anal fissure symptoms include:

  • Sharp anal pain during a bowel movement
  • Burning or throbbing pain for minutes to hours after a bowel movement
  • Bright red blood on the toilet paper, on the outside of the stool, or in the toilet bowl
  • A small crack or tear you may feel near the anus
  • Itching or irritation around the anus

If you live in Grand Rapids and notice bright red blood from the anus or persistent anal pain, it’s important to contact your primary care provider or a local gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon for evaluation.

Who Gets Anal Fissures?

Anal fissures can affect people of any age in Grand Rapids:

  • Infants and babies: Very common in children under one year; up to 8 in 10 babies may experience a fissure at some point.
  • Adults: Risk tends to decrease with age, but fissures are still common, especially with constipation or anal trauma.

Factors that can increase risk in West Michigan include:

  • Winter-related dehydration (people often drink less water in cold months)
  • Diets low in fiber (common with highly processed foods)
  • Sedentary lifestyle during long, cold winters

Common Causes of Anal Fissures

Anal fissures are usually caused by trauma or stretching of the anal canal. Causes include:

  • Chronic constipation
    • Passing large, dry, hard stools
    • Straining during bowel movements
  • Diarrhea
    • Frequent loose stools that irritate the anal lining
  • Rough or excessive wiping after a bowel movement
  • Inflammatory bowel conditions
    • Crohn’s disease
  • Infections or irritation
    • Scratching from itching (for example, pinworm infection in children)
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
    • Increased pressure in the pelvis and straining during delivery
  • Anal injury or trauma

Anal fissures themselves are not typically caused by bowel cancer. However, in rare cases, anal cancer can mimic a fissure, so persistent or unusual symptoms should always be checked by a healthcare professional.

Are Anal Fissures Dangerous?

Most anal fissures are painful but not dangerous and will heal with proper care. However, complications can occur, especially if the fissure becomes chronic (lasting more than 6–8 weeks), such as:

  • Chronic anal fissure – a tear that fails to heal
  • Sentinel pile – a small skin tag or thickened scar tissue at the edge of the fissure
  • Anal fistula – an abnormal tunnel that can form between the anal canal and nearby skin or organs
  • Anal stenosis – narrowing of the anal canal due to muscle spasm or scar tissue

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and your symptoms are not improving after a few weeks of home care, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a specialist at a local health system (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health).

How Anal Fissures Are Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Your healthcare provider will usually be able to diagnose an anal fissure with a simple exam:

  • Medical history
    • Questions about pain, bleeding, bowel habits, and any history of Crohn’s disease or other conditions
  • Physical examination
    • Gentle inspection of the anal area
  • Anoscopy (if needed)
    • A slender instrument (anoscope) is used to look inside the anal canal

In most cases, no extensive testing is needed. However, if you have other symptoms (like weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or a family history of colon cancer), your Grand Rapids provider may recommend additional tests such as a colonoscopy.

Treatment Options for Anal Fissures

About half of anal fissures heal on their own with proper self-care and by avoiding constipation. If the fissure keeps reopening every time you pass stool, healing can be delayed.

Medical Treatment (Non-Surgical)

Common treatments used in Grand Rapids clinics and hospitals include:

  • Pain-relieving medications
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your doctor
  • Topical anaesthetic creams
    • Numbing creams to reduce pain during bowel movements
  • Nitroglycerin ointment
    • Helps relax the anal sphincter muscle and increase blood flow to promote healing
  • Calcium channel blocker creams (such as diltiazem or nifedipine, if prescribed)
    • Also relax the sphincter muscle
  • Botox (botulinum toxin) injections
    • Used in some cases to temporarily relax the anal sphincter and allow healing
  • Stool softeners or gentle laxatives
    • To keep stools soft and easy to pass

These treatments are commonly available through providers at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and through local pharmacies across Kent County.

When Surgery Is Needed

If an anal fissure is severe or does not heal with medical treatment, surgery may be recommended by a colorectal surgeon in Grand Rapids.

Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy

The most common procedure is called a lateral internal sphincterotomy:

  • The surgeon removes the fissure and any associated scar tissue.
  • A small portion of the internal anal sphincter muscle is carefully cut.
  • This reduces muscle spasm and pressure, allowing the fissure to heal.
  • The procedure can often be done under local or general anesthesia.
  • Cutting this small portion of muscle typically does not interfere with bowel control.

About 9 out of 10 people who have this surgery will not experience another anal fissure.

Your Grand Rapids surgeon will discuss risks, benefits, and recovery time, and help you decide if surgery is right for you.

Self-Care for Anal Fissures at Home

Self-care is an important part of anal fissure treatment and prevention, especially in a climate like West Michigan, where dry indoor air in winter can contribute to dehydration and constipation.

Comfort Measures

  • Warm sitz baths
    • Sit in a shallow tub of warm water for about 15–20 minutes, several times a day and after bowel movements.
    • This helps relax the anal muscles and improve blood flow.
  • Gentle cleansing
    • Use baby wipes or soft, unscented moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper.
    • Pat gently—do not scrub.
  • Shower or bathe after bowel movements if possible, especially when symptoms are severe.
  • Apply a protective ointment
    • A thin layer of petroleum jelly or a barrier cream can reduce friction and protect the skin.
    • Ask your Grand Rapids pharmacist for products specifically designed for anal pain or irritation.

Preventing Constipation

Many anal fissures are linked to chronic constipation, which can be more common in cold Michigan winters when people drink less water and are less active.

To help keep your stools soft:

  • Eat a high-fiber diet
    • Whole grains (oatmeal, whole wheat bread, brown rice)
    • Fruits (apples, pears, berries, prunes)
    • Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, leafy greens)
    • Beans and lentils
  • Consider a fiber supplement
    • Products like psyllium (e.g., Metamucil) can help if you don’t get enough fiber from food.
    • Increase slowly and drink plenty of water to avoid gas and bloating.
  • Drink enough fluids
    • Aim for at least 6–8 glasses of water per day, more if you’re active.
    • In winter, remember that heated indoor air can dehydrate you even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Stay active
    • Regular walking, indoor exercise, or winter-friendly activities can help keep your bowels moving.

Preventing Anal Fissures in Grand Rapids

To reduce your risk of developing anal fissures:

  • Avoid straining during bowel movements.
  • Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge—don’t hold it.
  • Maintain a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water year-round.
  • Wipe gently with soft, unscented toilet paper or moist wipes.
  • Treat diarrhea promptly with guidance from your healthcare provider.
  • If you have Crohn’s disease or other bowel conditions, keep regular follow-up with your gastroenterologist.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider if you:

  • Have anal pain that lasts more than a few days
  • See bright red blood from the anus or on the stool
  • Notice a tear, lump, or skin tag near the anus
  • Have a history of inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s) and new anal symptoms
  • Have persistent constipation or diarrhea
  • Do not improve with home care after 1–2 weeks

You can start with:

  • Your primary care provider in Grand Rapids
  • A gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health resources for guidance on finding affordable care or specialists

Local pharmacists can also advise on over-the-counter creams, stool softeners, and fiber supplements that are appropriate for anal fissure pain and constipation.

Key Points About Anal Fissures in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus that cause pain and bright red bleeding.
  • They are very common in infants and also occur in adults, often due to constipation, diarrhea, or trauma (including difficult childbirth).
  • About half of anal fissures heal with self-care and constipation prevention.
  • Medications, ointments, and Botox injections can help relax the anal sphincter and promote healing.
  • Severe or chronic fissures may require surgery (lateral internal sphincterotomy), which is highly effective.
  • Drinking plenty of water, eating a high-fiber diet, and staying active are especially important in Michigan’s cold, dry winters to prevent constipation and fissures.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and think you might have an anal fissure, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a local specialist to get an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.