Anal fissures are small cuts or tears in the skin lining of the anus. They often occur when you pass hard or large stools, leading to sharp pain and sometimes bleeding during bowel movements. Early care can help relieve discomfort and promote faster healing.
Look out for these signs of an anal fissure:
Anal fissures can develop from a variety of factors:
Don't let anal pain control your day. Book an appointment today with our board-certified gastroenterologist in Katy at GastroDoxs. Our specialists provide personalized, compassionate care to help you heal quickly and get back to living comfortably.
We've successfully treated more than 498 patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
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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.
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, while hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in or around the anal canal. Both can cause pain and bleeding but require different treatments.
Yes. Fiber supplements soften stool and promote regular bowel movements, reducing the strain that can worsen or cause fissures.
Infection is uncommon but possible. Watch for increasing redness, swelling, pus, or fever, and seek medical attention if these occur.
Most patients recover fully within 1-2 weeks. Post-operative care, including sitz baths and stool softeners, helps speed healing.
Yes. In addition to pain and bleeding, many people experience itching or burning around the anus.
Yes. When used as directed, lidocaine cream provides local numbing to relieve pain during bowel movements.
Botox injections relax the anal sphincter muscle, reduce spasm, and improve blood flow to the fissure, promoting faster healing.
Nitroglycerin and nifedipine ointments are commonly prescribed to increase blood flow and relax the sphincter. Your doctor will help you choose the right option.
Yes. It's possible to have both conditions simultaneously. A thorough examination ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for each.
If pain or bleeding persists for more than two weeks despite home care, or if you notice signs of infection, schedule an evaluation with our gastroenterologist in Katy.
