Hemorrhoids or piles are swollen blood vessels near the anal opening and can cause severe pain while passing motions. The common symptoms of piles include bleeding, itching around the anus (Pruritus Ani) or feeling of lump outside the anus. Depending upon the severity of the disease hemorrhoids can be classified into 4 grades. In grade 1, there is bleeding or itching but there is no prolapse. In grade 2, hemorrhoidal mass comes out while defecating but goes back after the completion of the process. In grade 3, hemorrhoidal mass doesn’t go back on its own but needs to be manually pushed back. In grade 4, hemorrhoidal mass doesn’t go back even after manually pushing. Initial stages of hemorrhoids can be easily cured through medications or physiotherapy but later stages require surgery.

Dr. Ashwin Porwal, colorectal surgeon and founder surgeon of Healing Hands Clinic, demonstrates some self-care tips to cure hemorrhoidal pain.

Here are some self-care tips to avoid hemorrhoids or piles pain:

1.      Avoid Sedentary Lifestyle: Sitting for a long period of time, increases the pressure on the blood vessels near the anal area which may lead to hemorrhoids. So, one must go for a walk for at least 30 minutes every day. If you have a sitting job then you should stand up and roam around for 1 minute after every 1 hour.

2.      Increase Intake of Fluids and Fiber Rich Diet: As constipation is the main cause for piles. To avoid constipation, drink enough fluids and take fibrous food.

3.      Avoid lifting heavy objects: Lifting heavy objects on a daily basis only increases the pressure on veins. So, avoid lifting heavy objects to get rid of piles.

4.      Faulty toilet habits: You should not spend more than 10 minutes in the toilet. So, avoid using smartphones and reading newspapers while defecating. As straining for long hours lead to skin tags and bleeding. Using Indian toilets facilitate bowel movements.

5.      Maintain Hygiene: Keep the anal area neat and clean otherwise, it will lead to itching around the anus. Gently clean the area with water and then dry it with toilet paper. Don’t rub the towel or toilet paper as it may cause irritation.

6.      Don’t ignore the urge to pass stools: Whenever you feel like going to the toilet, don’t ignore it. As it will put pressure on blood vessels near the anus. So whatever task you are doing, leave that and go for bowel movements.

7.      Take a sitz bath: Sit in warm water for 10-15 minutes for 2-3 times in a day to get rid of hemorrhoidal pain. As it helps in easy evacuation of bowel movements.

8.      Elevate your feet: Elevating your feet with step stool while defecating changes the position of the rectum and it helps in easy passage of the stool.

9.      Avoid stress: Stress may lead to anxiety which may further lead to hemorrhoids. Always keep yourself calm or avoid high levels of stress.

10.  Don’t scratch anal area: Don’t scratch the anal area with nails or hands as it will increase irritation. Use oil or anoac creams to avoid irritation of anus.