Chronic anal pain: A review of causes, diagnosis, and treatment
Charles H. Knowles, Richard Cohen
Abstract
Chronic anal pain is difficult to diagnose and treat, especially with no obvious anorectal cause apparent on clinical examination. This review identifies 3 main diagnostic categories for chronic anal pain: local causes, functional anorectal pain, and neuropathic pain syndromes. Conditions covered within these categories include proctalgia fugax, levator ani syndrome, pudendal neuralgia, and coccygodynia. The signs, symptoms, relevant diagnostic tests, and main treatments for each condition are reviewed.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineNeuralgiaChronic painPhysical examinationPelvic painNeuropathic painDermatologyPhysical therapySurgeryAnesthesiaAnorectal Disease Treatments and OutcomesPelvic floor disorders treatmentsPeripheral Nerve Disorders