Anal fissures are small tears or cracks in the thin tissue lining the anus. They most often occur when hard or large stools stretch the anal canal beyond its normal capacity. While many fissures heal on their own, some become chronic and lead to ongoing pain and bleeding if not treated properly.
You may experience:
Anal fissures can be triggered by:
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, we combine state-of-the-art diagnostics with a patient-centered approach to deliver fast, lasting relief from anal fissures. Our team of local experts tailors every treatment plan ranging from conservative home therapies to advanced medical or surgical options to your unique needs. With compassionate support at every step and streamlined appointment scheduling, you'll get the comprehensive care you deserve. Don't let anal pain control your life book your appointment today and start your journey to comfort and healing.
We've successfully treated more than 498 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.
Warm sitz baths, a high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter pain creams or ointments can help soothe discomfort and promote natural healing of minor fissures.
Yes. In addition to sharp pain and bleeding, anal fissures often lead to itching or burning sensations around the anus.
Anal fissures are small tears in the anal lining that cause sharp pain during bowel movements, whereas hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal area that may itch, ache, and bleed.
Absolutely. Natural remedies such as coconut oil, aloe vera, and regular warm sitz baths can relieve discomfort and support the healing process when used alongside dietary and lifestyle changes.
Surgery, typically lateral internal sphincterotomy, is recommended if an anal fissure fails to heal after 6-8 weeks of conservative treatment or if it keeps recurring and causes persistent symptoms.
Yes. Botox injections safely relax the anal sphincter muscle, reduce pain, and help chronic fissures heal more effectively.
Definitely. A diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) combined with plenty of water softens stools, reduces straining, and promotes fissure healing.
Yes. Chronic inflammation and frequent diarrhea in Crohn's disease increase the risk of developing anal fissures.
A sentinel pile is a small skin tag or lump that forms at the edge of a chronic anal fissure due to prolonged irritation and attempts at healing.
If severe pain or bleeding persists beyond a few weeks despite home remedies, you should consult a gastroenterologist for a thorough evaluation and advanced treatment options.
