Hemorrhoids refer to the enlargement of veins in the area surrounding the anus. Hemorrhoids are thought to be caused by any number of things, including repeated straining, excessive constipation or diarrhea, obesity, or work-related factors, including excessive standing and heaving lifting.

There are two basic types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids, as the name implies, refers to those hemorrhoids that develop inside the passageway of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids tend to be the least painful, because they remain inside the body. External hemorrhoids refer to those that develop outside of the anus, usually somewhere around the rim; sometimes clustering like bunches of grapes. These are the most painful, because they tend to receive the most contact, and the skin is extremely sensitive in that area. External hemorrhoids are known to rupture and then bleed excessively. Sometimes, a hemorrhoid will clot with blood. These types of blood-clotting hemorrhoids then tend to swell and become hard.

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