Movement is central to human health. It keeps our blood circulating smoothly, keeps our energy stable, supports mental positivity, and maintains essential body functions. But in today’s technology-driven world, our lifestyles have changed dramatically.
With everything available at our doorstep—groceries, essentials, entertainment, and even work—we now spend more time sitting than ever before. Long office hours, work-from-home routines, binge-watching habits, and online conveniences have gradually turned many of us into passive, seated beings. While this shift may feel comfortable, it has silently taken a toll on our health, contributing to the increasing rise of piles.
Dr Amita Jain, who is a leading general and laparoscopic surgeon and piles specialist in Delhi, explains how prolonged inactivity directly accelerates the formation and worsening of piles.
What Are Piles?
Piles, or haemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed veins in and around the rectum and anus. These swollen veins can occur internally within the rectum or externally around the anal opening. Some people may not notice any symptoms initially, while others may experience discomfort, itching, swelling, or rectal bleeding.
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to increased pain, complications, or thrombosed (clotted) piles. Timely medical consultation is always advisable, especially if bleeding occurs.
How Sedentary Life Promotes the Growth of Piles?
Dr Amita Jain who is amongst the most experienced female surgeons for piles in Delhi shares some reasons here:
Prolonged Sitting and Increased Pressure
Continuous sitting—especially on hard surfaces or without changing posture—puts unrelenting pressure on the veins in the anal region. This pressure restricts normal blood flow, causing blood to accumulate in the veins and making them swell.
Since pelvic muscles remain inactive while sitting, they don’t assist in pushing blood back toward the heart, which further worsens pooling in the lower rectal veins.
Over time, these delicate veins begin to stretch, lose elasticity, and become more vulnerable to swelling. Extended time on the toilet intensifies the issue because the posture allows gravity to pull blood downward, increasing congestion and triggering or worsening piles.
Inactivity Slows Digestion and Leads to Constipation
A sedentary lifestyle affects far more than posture. When the body lacks movement, digestion automatically slows down. The intestines contract less effectively, causing bowel movements to become sluggish. As a result, stools become harder, and constipation becomes common.
Constipation forces a person to strain during bowel movements, and this straining causes a sharp rise in pressure around the rectal veins.
This pressure is one of the biggest contributors to both the formation and aggravation of piles. Additionally, lack of physical activity often leads to weight gain and obesity, which further increases the pressure on the lower rectum, making symptoms worse.
Poor Blood Circulation in the Lower Body
Reduced movement means slower circulation, particularly in the pelvic and lower body region. When blood flow decreases, the veins around the rectal area don’t receive sufficient fresh, oxygenated blood.
This leads to increased swelling, slower healing of irritated tissues, and more persistent pain after bowel movements. Poor circulation also increases the risk of thrombosed piles, where a blood clot forms inside the swollen vein, causing intense pain.
People who sit for long office hours or during long travel often notice that their symptoms worsen simply because their blood stays stagnant for extended periods.
Weakening of Pelvic Muscles
The pelvic muscles support bowel movements and help maintain proper control during passing of stool. Inactivity weakens these muscles, making bowel evacuation more difficult and forcing a person to strain more.
Weak pelvic support also means the rectal veins face more pressure during each bowel movement. Over time, this extra strain contributes to swollen, painful, and enlarged piles.
A sedentary lifestyle affects the body in multiple interconnected ways, and all of them create a perfect environment for piles to develop or worsen.
Long hours of sitting exert constant pressure on the rectal veins, poor circulation encourages swelling, weakened pelvic muscles complicate bowel movements, and lack of exercise slows digestion—leading to constipation and strain.
The solution begins with awareness. If you notice any symptoms of piles, consult a doctor promptly instead of hoping the discomfort will disappear on its own. A few changes in daily habits, regular movement, mindful sitting posture, and timely medical care can protect you from unnecessary pain and complications.
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced female surgeons, known for her unmatched expertise in general and laparoscopic surgery. With over 29 years of surgical excellence, Dr Amita Jain has built a reputation for precision, compassionate care, and advanced surgical techniques.
Dr Amita Jain has successfully performed a wide range of complex general surgeries, including both open and minimally invasive procedures, with a strong focus on trauma care, onco-surgical techniques, and reconstructive surgeries. Her areas of specialisation include (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned asa Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi), Artemis Lite: Multi-Speciality Care Hospital (New Friends Colony, New Delhi) and at Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi)
Call Us at +(91) 882-6615301