India, Aug. 23 -- Joint pain is normal, due to multiple causes such as sports injury, arthritis, sprains or overuse. And to treat joint pain, two most recommended therapies are heat and cold therapy. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Praveen Tittal, director, orthopaedics at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram shared when to use cold therapy and when to use heat to treat joint pain. Also read | Worried of arthritis in monsoon? Orthopedist shares tips to manage joint pain and stiffness during the rainy season

Heat therapy (thermotherapy) dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow, providing tissues with oxygen and nutrients. It also relaxes constricted muscles and enhances joint movement.

1. For stiff joints: Heat enhances blood flow, ease...