In most cases, piles resolve on their own without needing any treatment. However, if an individual has piles for an extended period, the lumps may grow in size, and the piles symptoms may also worsen, leading to significant pain, discomfort and reduced quality of life.
In that case, the proctologist may suggest one of the following methods for piles treatment:
Home Remedies for Piles
While there are various medical treatments for piles, there are also several home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms. Some common remedies for piles include:
- Sitz Bath: Sitting in a warm bath for 10-15 minutes can help alleviate pain and itching caused by piles. You can prepare a Sitz bath using Epsom salt and add glycerin for additional benefits.
- Fibre Intake: Eating a diet high in fibre helps prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements, which can aggravate piles. Good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- Flavonoids: These are compounds found in fruits and vegetables such as blackberries, cherries, and red grapes, reduce inflammation and improve circulation, reducing the risk of developing piles.
- Vitamin C Rich Foods: Foods that are high in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, strengthen blood vessels.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the anus reduces swelling and alleviates pain.
- Aloe Vera Gel: This gel lessens pain, itching, and inflammation.
- Witch Hazel: Applying witch hazel prevents pain and bleeding.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Piles
Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating from India, offers a range of natural remedies and treatments for piles. Some common Ayurvedic treatments for piles include:
- Triphala Powder:
- This powder can help alleviate symptoms of piles (haemorrhoids) by improving digestion and reducing constipation.
- Triphala is a blend of three fruits - amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki. It is often taken in powder form mixed with water or as a supplement in capsule form. To learn more, read about the benefits of triphala powder for Piles in Hindi
- Kshar Sutra:
- Kshar Sutra is an Ayurvedic treatment for piles (haemorrhoids) that involves the use of a medicated thread. The thread is inserted into the rectum near the piles and is said to cause the piles to dry up and fall off over time.
- The Kshar Sutra treatment is performed by a trained practitioner and is usually done on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days.

Lifestyle Changes for Piles
Making certain lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage symptoms of piles. Some of the lifestyle modifications that can help with piles include:
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help prevent constipation and improve overall bowel function.
- Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Prolonged sitting or standing can increase pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, which can aggravate piles.
- Staying Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation and keep stools soft.
- Avoid Straining During Bowel Movements: Straining while passing stool can pressure the anus and lower rectum veins.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting: Heavy weight lifting can increase the pressure in the anorectal region and lead to swelling of blood vessels, posing a risk for piles.
- Using Indian Commode: A squatting toilet may help alleviate symptoms of piles (haemorrhoids) in some individuals. The squatting position improves bowel movements by relaxing the anal muscles, which helps prevent straining and constipation.

Medications for Piles
There are several medications available to help relieve piles symptoms. Over-the-counter oral medications, creams and ointments are some of the treatments used for piles. Depending on the severity of haemorrhoids, the proctologist would prescribe the following:
- Pain Reliever Medications such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen can temporarily help relieve the discomfort.
- Stool Softeners help relieve constipation.
- Over-the-counter Topical Haemorrhoid Creams or suppositories containing hydrocortisone, or use pads containing witch hazel or a numbing agent.
Piles Treatment without Surgery
If haemorrhoids do not improve by home remedies and prescription medicines, then the following non-surgical treatment methods for piles can be considered:
- Rubber Band Ligation: The surgeon places a rubber band around the haemorrhoids in Rubber Band Ligation. This causes haemorrhoid necrosis (tissue death), and they drop off.
- Sclerotherapy: The surgeon injects a liquid called a sclerosant into the haemorrhoids, which decreases the blood supply and causes the haemorrhoids to shrink.
- Electrotherapy: An electrical current is applied to the piles, causing them to shrink and eventually fall off.
- Infrared Coagulation: This method works similarly to that of sclerotherapy. Instead of a liquid, infrared light is used to shrink the haemorrhoids.

Piles Treatment with Surgery
Surgical treatment of haemorrhoids is recommended if any of the therapies mentioned above do not work. The various surgical treatment methods for haemorrhoids include:
- Haemorrhoidectomy: In this surgery, doctors remove the swollen veins in the anus or rectum that cause piles. It is usually done for large or protruding piles and requires general anaesthesia.
- Stapled Haemorrhoidectomy: This procedure involves using a stapling device to cut off the blood flow to the piles and reposition them back inside the anus. Stapled Haemorrhoidectomy is less painful than traditional surgery but may not be suitable for all types of piles.
- Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation: During this minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon uses ultrasound to locate the blood vessels supplying the piles and ties them off, which causes the piles to shrink and eventually fall off. It is generally used for grade-1 piles.
- Laser Surgery for Piles: In this surgery, a laser beam is used to cut off the blood supply to the piles. It causes piles to shrink and eventually disappear. Piles laser surgery is a quick and relatively painless procedure.
Refer to the page recovery rates for piles to know more about the recovery rate after a patient has undergone the above-mentioned piles treatment methods.
Cost of Piles Surgery
The cost of piles surgery in India can vary depending on several factors, including the type of surgery like Piles Laser Surgery, the hospital or clinic where the procedure is performed, and the location. Here is a table highlighting the cost of different types of Piles Surgery:
Surgery Name |
Surgery Cost |
Sclerotherapy |
₹25,000 to ₹80,000 |
Laser Piles Surgery
|
₹35,000 to ₹1,10,000 |
Rubber Band Ligation
|
₹25,000 to ₹60,000 |
Stapler Haemorrhoidectomy |
₹42,000 to ₹1,10,000 |
Open Haemorrhoidectomy
|
₹32,000 to ₹1,00,000 |
Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation
|
₹38,000 to ₹90,000 |