Will a laxative help piles?

In general, no: If you have to strain to have a bowel movement, the straining may worsen the hemorrhoids. Piles, or hemorrhoids are basically veins and pressure makes them enlarge. The best way to manage them is to follow a high fiber diet and drink a large amount of liquid (beer doesn't count). This makes the stools bulky and soft and is easy on the hemorrhoids. Using laxatives can make your body dependent.

No: Stool softener (docusate) is better. Package recommends 1 tab/day, but often you need more (up 2 tab 3x/day). Worse case is you get too loose and can cut back then. Idea is to avoid pushing hard stool out which pushes out the piles. Drink plenty of liquids and try to increase the fiber in your diet.