Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Proctalgia fugax is a sudden, intense cramp or spasm of the muscles around the rectum. It feels like a sharp, stabbing pain or electric jolt that lasts from a few seconds up to five minutes and then resolves on its own. Although frightening, these brief episodes are not dangerous.
He asks detailed questions about your pain episodes (duration, frequency, triggers), bowel habits, diet, stress levels, and any recent surgeries or childbirth.
A gentle digital rectal exam assesses pelvic floor muscle tone, checks for tenderness or tight bands, and rules out obvious anatomical issues.
Using a small anoscope, he inspects the anal canal for hemorrhoids, fissures, or other lesions that could mimic proctalgia fugax.
Basic laboratory workup (CBC, inflammatory markers) helps rule out infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or other systemic conditions.
Biofeedback assessments to measure muscle coordination and trigger-point injections under ultrasound guidance to confirm the source of spasms.
Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
These sudden anal cramps often stem from tight pelvic floor muscles, stress or anxiety, low fiber intake, dehydration, IBS, or prolonged sitting.
Yes. A fiber-rich diet plus plenty of water eases bowel movements, reduces strain, and helps prevent muscle spasms.
Most patients notice improvement within 1-2 weeks of starting lifestyle changes, exercises, and prescribed medications or creams.
Absolutely. When administered by a qualified physician, Botox injections safely relax the anal muscles to stop spasms.
No general anesthesia is required. Dr. Pothuri uses a topical numbing cream so the procedure is quick and comfortable.
While spasms may recur, most patients maintain long-term relief by following dietary advice, hydration, pelvic exercises, and stress management.
