There are various non-surgical treatments for hemorrhoids. Most of the procedures have the same benefits, removing the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Non-operative treatment may include sclerotherapy, heat coagulation, electric current treatment, rubber band ligation and another popular treatment is cryotherapy. However, a patient should be careful in choosing the best treatment for his or her hemorrhoids since the methods available have their own advantages and disadvantages.

What is cryotherapy? It is a medical therapy which uses cold temperatures or simply the removal of heat from a body part. The method has been practiced since 1880’s. The term came from the Greek word “cryo” which means cold and therapy meaning cure. Wikipedia describes cryotherapy as the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. The purpose of cryotherapy is to decrease cellular metabolism and increase cellular survival. It also decreases the inflammation, pain and spasm in the affected area. The procedure also promotes vasoconstriction. When extreme temperature is aplied, it destroy cells by crystallizing the cytosol.

The procedure is also used in surgical treatment of some diseases. Other variations include ice pack therapy and cryogenic chamber therapy. Ice pack therapy is commonly used to alleviate minor muscle injuries. Cryogenic chamber therapy is more popular to athletes because of its rejuvenating effects. It is adopted by many sporting bodies as a training and injury rehabilitation technique for their athletes.

Several diseases and disorders can be treated with cryotherapy. Most skin problems like warts, moles, skin tags and solar keratoses are just some of the conditions which can be treated with cryotherapy. When used to treat hemorrhoids, it obliterates the veins and cause inflammation and scarring. It then removes the swelling of the nerves and the hemorrhoids. Liquid nitrogen is usually used to freeze the tissues at the cellular level. The procedure is used often because of its efficacy and low rates of side effects. But patients with hemorrhoids may experience post treatment pain and may not permanently remove the hemorrhoids. The treatment process may also last longer.

There are cryotherapy products which can be used at the comfort of your home. A cryotherapy device is inserted into the rectal area. Some people may opt to try this product because of its affordability. For less than $50, an individual suffering from hemorrhoids can now use the do-it-yourself treatment pack. The procedure is also simple. The cryotherapy device is placed in the freezer until it becomes ice-cold. Before inserting the device into the rectum, a cream is used to lubricate the protruding part of the device.

The procedure only last for about 6 to 8 minutes or until it assumes normal body temperature. However, patients should be a little bit patient with this kind of treatment since you have to repeat the procedure at least 4 times a day. After using the the cryotherapy device, you have to wash it and put it back to the freezer for the next procedure. The efficacy of this treatment still depends on the severity of the hemorrhoids. For worst conditions, a doctor’s advise is still needed. They can properly diagnose and recommend the appropriate hemorrhoid treatment.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS