Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids (Piles) in Grand Rapids, MI

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins in the rectum or around the anus. They are very common in adults, especially in middle and later life, and are often linked to long‑term constipation and straining.

In Grand Rapids, hemorrhoids are a frequent reason for visits to primary care clinics, gastroenterologists, and colorectal surgeons at major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West (formerly Metro Health), and Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Types of Hemorrhoids

Doctors in Grand Rapids typically describe three main types of hemorrhoids:

Internal Hemorrhoids

• Located inside the rectum
• Usually painless
• Often bleed easily, especially during or after a bowel movement
• You may notice bright red blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or as streaks on the stool

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

• A more severe, painful form of internal hemorrhoids
• The swollen veins push through the anus and may:
  • Hang outside the body, especially after going to the toilet
  • Go back inside on their own or need to be gently pushed back
• If they remain outside, the anal sphincter (ring of muscle) can squeeze or “strangulate” them
  • This may cut off blood flow, causing significant pain, swelling, and possible clots

They feel like hard lumps

Prolapsed or thrombosed hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids with blood clots) often feel like hard, tender lumps around the anus.

External Hemorrhoids

• Develop under the skin around the anus
• Can look and feel like small, firm bumps
• May itch, feel sore, or become very painful if a blood clot forms
• Are essentially small hemorrhages (bleeds) under the skin in that area

Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Bleeding is the most common symptom

Most people with internal hemorrhoids in Grand Rapids notice:

• A smear of bright red blood on toilet paper
• Streaks of blood in the stool
• Drips of blood in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement

Other symptoms can include:

• Lumps or swelling around the anus
• Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting or during bowel movements
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectal area
• Mucus discharge and irritation of the surrounding skin

Important: Any bleeding from the bowel should be checked by a doctor. In addition to hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding can be caused by other conditions, including bowel (colorectal) cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and anal fissures. Local providers in Grand Rapids can arrange appropriate tests such as colonoscopy.

How Hemorrhoids Develop

Hemorrhoids usually develop slowly over time.

• Small blood vessels (veins) in and around the rectum and anus carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
• If this return blood flow is hindered—for example, by repeated straining or long periods of pressure—these tiny veins can:
  • Distend with blood
  • Become swollen, knobbly, and varicose
• Over time, this leads to internal, external, or prolapsed hemorrhoids.

Causes and Risk Factors

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, the main causes and risk factors for hemorrhoids include:

• Constipation and straining
  • Chronic constipation is one of the most common triggers
  • Pushing hard on the toilet increases pressure in the rectal veins
• Low‑fiber diet
  • Not eating enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Insufficient fluid intake
  • Not drinking enough water, especially during dry indoor heating in Michigan winters, can worsen constipation
• Heavy manual labor
  • Jobs that involve repeated heavy lifting can increase abdominal pressure
• Prolonged sitting
  • Sitting for long stretches—especially on hard surfaces or at a desk—can contribute to hemorrhoids
  • This is common among office workers and drivers in the Grand Rapids metro area
• Pregnancy
  • Extra weight and pressure on the bowels during pregnancy make hemorrhoids more likely
• Obesity
  • Extra abdominal pressure can strain rectal veins
• Aging
  • Tissues supporting rectal veins weaken over time
• Hereditary factors
  • A family history of hemorrhoids or weak vein walls increases risk

Grand Rapids & Michigan‑Specific Considerations

Living in Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan region can indirectly affect hemorrhoid risk:

• Cold winters and indoor heating can lead to:
  • Less physical activity
  • Dehydration from dry indoor air
  • Higher rates of constipation
• Seasonal lifestyle changes
  • More sedentary time in winter vs. more activity in summer along the Grand River and local trails
• Diet patterns
  • Diets lower in fiber and higher in processed foods, common in many Midwestern communities, can increase constipation risk

Local health agencies like the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health promote healthy eating, hydration, and physical activity, all of which help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.

Prevention and Self‑Care

Both preventing and treating hemorrhoids rely heavily on eliminating constipation and reducing strain.

Improve Your Diet

Aim for a high‑fiber diet:

• Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, leafy greens
• Fruits: apples, pears, berries, prunes
• Whole grains and cereals: oatmeal, whole‑wheat bread, brown rice, bran cereals
• Legumes: beans, lentils, chickpeas

Fiber helps produce soft, bulky stools that pass more easily and regularly, reducing the need to strain.

Stay Well Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• In Michigan’s dry, heated indoor environments during winter, increase your fluid intake to offset dehydration

Healthy Bowel Habits

• Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge
• Do not strain or sit on the toilet for long periods (avoid reading or phone use while on the toilet)
• Avoid sitting for long stretches on hard surfaces
• Take short walking breaks if you have a desk job in Grand Rapids offices or factories

Physical Activity

• Regular exercise improves bowel function
• Even brisk walks along the Grand River, in local parks, or on neighborhood sidewalks can help keep your bowels regular

Medical Treatment Options in Grand Rapids

If lifestyle changes are not enough, there are several medical treatments available through Grand Rapids providers such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West, and Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Topical Treatments

• Astringent ointments or suppositories
  • Can help shrink hemorrhoids, reduce swelling, and ease discomfort
  • Often available over the counter, but it’s best to check with your Grand Rapids primary care provider or pharmacist

Office‑Based Procedures

Performed by a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon in a clinic or hospital setting:

• Band ligation of hemorrhoids
  • A common treatment for internal hemorrhoids
  • Small rubber bands are placed around the base of the hemorrhoids using a proctoscope
  • This cuts off the blood supply, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off
• Other minimally invasive options (depending on provider) may include:
  • Infrared coagulation
  • Sclerotherapy (injection therapy)

Surgical Treatment

• Hemorrhoid surgery (haemorrhoidectomy) may be recommended:
  • For large, painful, or recurrent hemorrhoids
  • When other treatments have failed
• This is considered a last resort and is usually performed in a hospital setting such as:
  • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
  • Other surgical centers in the Grand Rapids area

Your doctor will help you choose the safest and most effective option based on your symptoms and overall health.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Seek medical advice if you:

• Notice blood on toilet paper, in the toilet, or in your stool
• Feel new lumps around your anus
• Have persistent pain, itching, or swelling
• Experience changes in bowel habits, such as new constipation or diarrhea
• Have a family history of bowel (colorectal) cancer or are over 45 and have not been screened

Local options for care include:

• Your primary care doctor / primary care doctor at clinics across Grand Rapids
• Gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons at:
  • Corewell Health (Corewell Health)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health-West
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids facilities
• Community resources via:
  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs

If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, dizziness, or fainting, go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids or call 911.

Local Support and Information

For residents in the Grand Rapids, MI area:

• Talk with your primary care provider about hemorrhoid symptoms and prevention
• Ask for referral to a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon if symptoms are persistent or severe
• Check with the Kent County Health Department for information on:
  • Healthy eating
  • Fiber intake
  • Physical activity programs
• Many local clinics offer patient education on constipation prevention and bowel health

Addressing hemorrhoids early—with diet changes, better bowel habits, and timely medical care—can greatly reduce discomfort and help you maintain a healthy, active life in Grand Rapids.