Piles, also known as Hemorrhoids, is quite a common condition. Living with piles is difficult, as it is a painful condition and, for most people, quite embarrassing too. It can happen to anybody, but pregnant women and aging people are most susceptible to it. Everyone has hemorrhoids, which are simply small blood vessels in the anal canal; however these vessels swell up when strain is placed on them due to sitting for long periods on the toilet or, in the case of pregnant women, when the enlarged uterus presses against the hemorrhoid veins.

Witch Hazel

There are certain procedures that are used to get rid of piles depending on the severity of the problem. Some of them are:
-- Rubber band litigation
-- Laser/infrared and bipolar coagulation
-- Hemorrhoidectomy
-- Stapled hemorrhoidectomy

There are also a few home remedies that can be used for piles pain relief, apart from the drugs your doctor has prescribed. They are:
Cold Compresses: These give instant relief but cold compresses can be quite an expensive option as most commercially available cold compresses are meant for just one use. You can make a compress at home by putting a few ice cubes in a piece of cloth or handkerchief and holding it over the affected area.

Aloe Vera: This is a natural soothing agent, so applying it to the affected area will reduce the burning, itching and pain.

Witch Hazel: This herb helps to contract swollen blood vessels as it is a natural astringent. Dampen a wad of toilet paper with witch hazel and apply it to the protruding piles.

Warm Spitz Baths: These assist in relieving itching and irritation. Plastic tubs that fit over the toilet seat are available in pharmacies. 

Exercise: Brisk walking or aerobics helps in bowel movements, thus reducing the need to strain, which can cause or aggravate piles.

Apart from these remedies, the food you eat plays a very important role in giving you relief and working towards curing piles. Recommended food for piles includes a high fiber diet along with a high intake of fluids. This helps in softening the stools, making it easier to pass bowel movements. Fiber supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel help in decreasing bleeding and inflammation. They also reduce the irritation caused due to small bits of stool being stuck around the affected area.  Foods high in fiber are whole wheat breads, cereals, beans, all-bran snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables like spinach, broccoli, green peas, cauliflower, turnip, and potatoes with skins. Piles, although extremely painful, is not life-threatening and can be treated successfully with proper care and medications.