India, July 21 -- Using compresses, both hot and cold, is a popular way to deal with physical pain. While both work in specific cases, people are often confused as to when to use which method.

Sometimes, people choose a specific method based on where the pain is located in the body. According to orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kiran Shete, that is not how one should make the choice.

Taking to Instagram on July 9, Dr Shete explained when to use hot and cold compresses, and how each works to soothe the pain.

"Hot or cold has nothing to do with which body part is hurting," he stated. "It depends on what is happening inside the tissue."

Dr Shete stated that a cold compress should be used to provide relief in case of newly caused injuries, when the...