Can patients with anal fissures run?

Nov 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

In general, whether patients with anal fissures can run depends on the severity of their condition and overall physical health. If there is obvious discomfort or worsening symptoms, prompt medical attention is recommended. Before running, individuals should assess their symptoms to determine the current stage of the condition. Wear loose, breathable clothing to minimize friction around the anus, and clean the anal area promptly after running to keep the area dry.

Patients with mild anal fissures who are in the recovery phase may engage in moderate running. In these cases, the fissure is shallow, without significant pain or bleeding, and the patient experiences no obvious discomfort. Moderate jogging can promote intestinal motility, help establish regular bowel movements, and improve blood circulation around the anus, thereby creating favorable conditions for healing. However, the intensity and duration of running should be carefully controlled to avoid overexertion.

Patients with severe conditions or those experiencing an acute flare-up should avoid running. At this stage, the fissure is deeper and accompanied by noticeable pain and bleeding. The physical jostling during running causes continuous friction of the perianal tissues, which may worsen the injury, increase pain and bleeding, and potentially raise the risk of infection due to increased sweating—impeding recovery.

Before running, individuals should assess their symptoms to determine the current stage of their condition. Wear loose, breathable clothing to minimize perianal friction, and clean the anal area promptly after running to keep the area dry. If pain intensifies or bleeding occurs during running, stop exercising immediately and rest. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly to prevent delayed recovery.

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Can constipation and anal fissures heal on their own?

In general, whether constipation-related anal fissures can heal spontaneously mainly depends on the type and severity of the fissure. After developing an anal fissure, it is important to first determine its type rather than blindly waiting for self-healing. In daily life, avoid prolonged sitting to reduce pressure around the anus; avoid prolonged squatting during bowel movements and keep bowel movements brief. If the anal fissure persists for more than two weeks without healing, or if symptoms such as increased pain or heavier bleeding occur, prompt medical attention is necessary.

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How to quickly relieve pain from anal fissures

Pain from anal fissures can be relieved with topical analgesic ointments, warm sitz baths, adjusting bowel habits, using lubricants, and avoiding irritation to the affected area. These measures can quickly alleviate pain and reduce further damage to the fissure site. If pain continues to worsen, bleeding increases, or signs of infection appear, prompt medical attention is recommended. Use ointments containing ingredients such as lidocaine under a doctor's guidance.

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How to treat pain from anal fissures

Treatment methods for anal fissure pain include warm water sitz baths, adjusting diet, improving bowel habits, topical medications for symptom relief, and surgical intervention when necessary. The appropriate approach should be selected based on the severity of the condition; most mild cases can be relieved with conservative treatment. If pain persists or worsens, bleeding becomes frequent, or signs of infection appear, prompt medical attention is recommended.

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What are the symptoms of anal fissure?

During an anal fissure episode, typical symptoms include severe pain during defecation, persistent pain after bowel movements, blood on the stool surface, itching around the anus, and difficulty passing stool. When patients with anal fissures pass bowel movements, dry feces rub against the fissure wound, stimulating nerve endings and causing intense pain, often described as burning or cutting in nature. The pain usually temporarily subsides after defecation ends.