Hemorrhoids is a very common condition: about half of all people in developed countries will experience it by the time they reach 50.
It is not dangerous or life-threatening but it can make the life of a sufferer a misery, with pain, irritation and bleeding from the anus, especially during or after bowel movements.
Conventional treatments for hemorrhoids consist of two major approaches: relief of the symptoms, such as pain and irritation, and reducing the swelling of the veins that creates the hemorrhoids.
The most common forms of treatment for hemorrhoids are:

• Creams, ointments and gels.
  These typically contain a local anesthetic to help relieve pain, a protectant that forms a physical barrier on the skin's surface to prevent contact with aggravating material, and often also other ingredients designed to reduce the swelling of the hemorrhoids.
  They are usually applied at regular intervals (at least daily) directly to the hemorrhoids or the skin in the anal region.
  They can also be applied inside the anus using a finger or a "pile pipe" (a special nozzle that can be attached to the tube of cream, etc.
  ) to treat internal hemorrhoids.
  
• Suppositories and foams.
  These work in the same way as creams, ointments and gels, but are specifically designed to be applied inside the anus.
  In terms of effectiveness, there is little to choose between suppositories and creams, etc.
  Which to use is largely a matter of personal preference in the method of application.
  
• Surgery to physically remove the hemorrhoids is very much a last resort, to only be used in severe cases when other methods have failed.
  There are a number of different surgical techniques, such as rubber band ligation and hemorrhoidectomy, but side effects such as scarring or damage to the anal sphincter muscles (with consequent incontinence) are common with many of them.
  

The effectiveness of these treatments can be enhanced by taking a few extra steps:

• Eat a healthy diet, with plenty of fiber, and drink plenty of fluids, to avoid constipation and keep your bowels movements soft and regular.
  
• Avoid excessive straining during bowel movements.
  
• Don't rub your anal region too hard when cleaning yourself after a bowel movement.
  Using moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper, or even washing with water can help.
  
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods: get up and move around for a few minutes a couple of times an hour.
  
• Using a hemorrhoid cushion can help relieve pain and discomfort while sitting.
  
• Avoid heavy lifting, especially repeatedly such as during weight training exercises.
  

These conventional forms of hemorrhoid treatment can often be effective in the short term.
However, they do little to tackle the underlying factors that caused the hemorrhoids in the first place.
If these factors aren't resolved, then the condition is highly likely to flare up again in the future.