DEAR DOCTOR K: I've had pain and some bleeding during bowel movements. My doctor says it's an anal fissure. What is that, and what's the best way to treat it?
DEAR READER: An anal fissure is a rip in the lining of the anal canal. It usually results from trauma, such as passing hard stool. It causes severe pain, often accompanied by a small amount of blood. Pain from anal fissures often is confused with pain from hemorrhoids.