(ARA) – Cryotherapy is nothing new. You know when you bumped your head when you were a kid, and your mom told you to “put some ice on it?” It turns out she was absolutely right.

Cold doesn’t just reduce swelling in the bump on your noggin, it also helps soothe any kind of swelling from a baby’s teething gums to a boxer’s swollen eye. Cold therapy has long been recognized as an effective way to reduce swelling on all parts of the body – even in the sensitive area where hemorrhoids occur.

Hemorrhoids (also known as piles) are much more common than people like to admit. Too much pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal area causes hemorrhoids, which most commonly occur as a result of straining during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can also occur as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, diarrhea and constipation, being overweight, or even simply sitting for long periods of time.

They can be incredibly painful, and because they occur in such a sensitive area – and people are often embarrased to admit they have them — hemorrhoids are often very difficult to treat. It turns out, however, that a great way to treat hemorrhoids might also be the simplest solution: cold therapy.

While numerous over-the-counter and prescription remedies exist, many of these treatments can be messy, uncomfortable and difficult to use, and some have unexpected side effects.

A new product, CryoSTAT, relieves the symptoms of external hemorrhoids by applying cold therapy directly to the effected area. By applying CryoSTAT to the tissue, the inflammation is reduced and the swollen tissue shrinks. The direct application of cold provides prompt relief and extinguishes itching, burning, pain and swelling.

Nervous about putting something so cold in such a sensitive place? Luckily, non-prescription CryoSTAT comes in a specially designed soft cloth pack that ensures that your hemorrhoids are treated without pain, discomfort, or any mess.

Here are some tips to help prevent hemorrhoids:

* Drink more water

* Eat more fiber

* Exercise more

* Eat regular meals

If you do find yourself suffering from hemorrhoids, however, be sure to take your mom’s advice. Put some ice on it. Visit Cryostatrelief.com to learn more.