Symptoms: Anal Discomfort, Pain, and Numbness in Legs

Pain around the anus, soreness in the buttocks, and numbness in the legs?

Hello, Dr.
Ke.
Recently, I have experienced blood in my stool twice over the course of a month.
During this time, I noticed that the right side of my anus feels hard and uncomfortable, though not painful.
Additionally, I have been experiencing soreness around my anus and buttocks, along with numbness in my legs.
On August 4th, I had blood in my stool again, so I promptly visited a doctor who diagnosed me with internal hemorrhoids and performed a procedure.
It's only been a few days since the treatment, and I feel that my anus has improved somewhat, but the soreness in my buttocks and numbness in my legs have not improved.

Dr.
Ke, can hemorrhoids cause symptoms like mine? If not, which specialist should I see? If it were colon cancer, would I experience soreness in my buttocks and numbness in my legs? These symptoms appeared after I started feeling discomfort in my anus.
Please help me with your insights.
Thank you, I appreciate it.

Shuhui, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/08

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

This condition may not necessarily be colorectal cancer; it could also be caused by nerve pain from a herniated disc in the lower lumbar or sacral region.
However, if you are over 50 years old and have not had a colonoscopy before, it is advisable to ask your physician to arrange for a colonoscopy for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2022/08/08

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your symptoms. It sounds like you are experiencing a complex set of issues involving anal discomfort, pain, and numbness in your legs, which can understandably be quite distressing. Let's break down your symptoms and explore possible connections and next steps.

Firstly, you mentioned experiencing blood in your stool and discomfort around the anal area, which led to a diagnosis of internal hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can indeed cause a variety of symptoms, including anal discomfort, itching, and bleeding. They can also lead to a sensation of fullness or pressure in the anal region. However, while hemorrhoids can cause localized discomfort, they are less likely to directly cause symptoms like leg numbness or pain.

The numbness and pain in your legs could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that the discomfort in your anal area is causing you to alter your posture or the way you sit, which could lead to nerve compression or strain in your lower back and legs. Additionally, if there is any inflammation or irritation in the pelvic region, it could potentially affect the nerves that supply sensation to your legs.

Regarding your concerns about colorectal cancer, it is important to note that while symptoms such as blood in the stool and changes in bowel habits can be associated with colorectal cancer, the presence of leg pain and numbness is not a typical symptom of this condition. However, colorectal cancer can lead to other complications that might indirectly cause discomfort in surrounding areas, including the pelvis and lower back.

Given your symptoms, it would be prudent to consult with a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive system disorders. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a colonoscopy to rule out any serious conditions such as colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be beneficial to see a neurologist to assess the leg numbness and pain, as they can evaluate for any potential nerve-related issues.

In the meantime, here are some general recommendations that may help alleviate your discomfort:
1. Dietary Changes: Ensure you are consuming a high-fiber diet to promote regular bowel movements and reduce strain during defecation. Staying hydrated is also crucial.

2. Warm Baths: Taking warm baths can help soothe anal discomfort and reduce inflammation associated with hemorrhoids.

3. Posture Awareness: Pay attention to your sitting posture. Using a cushion or a specialized seat can help alleviate pressure on the anal area.

4. Gentle Exercise: Engaging in light physical activity, such as walking, can improve circulation and may help reduce numbness in your legs.

5. Follow-Up Care: Since you have already started treatment for your hemorrhoids, keep track of your symptoms and follow up with your healthcare provider if you notice any changes or if your symptoms do not improve.

In summary, while hemorrhoids can cause discomfort, they are less likely to be the sole cause of your leg symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation by a gastroenterologist and possibly a neurologist will help clarify the situation and guide you toward the appropriate treatment. Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to seek medical attention for any concerning symptoms.

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