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How do I Choose the Best Knee Ice Pack?
The type of knee ice pack that will be best for you can depend on your specific needs. If you anticipate enduring symptoms of the same injury more than once, you can invest in a reusable ice pack. Small and portable packs have the advantage of being able to be taken anywhere. Other knee packs can function as either hot or cold therapies when you need one or the other.
The reasons why you might want to invest in a personal ice pack are numerous. Sprains, tendinitis, joint injury, muscle injury, pain and post-surgery care are some of the conditions that can necessitate the purchase of a knee ice pack. People who regularly participate in sports often keep knee ice packs handy in case of injury.
The goal of applying an ice pack to the knee is to alleviate pain, stiffness and any swelling resulting from injury. The cooling of joints that are inflamed can be achieved by the application of an ice pack. Usually, it's the numbness achieved after prolonged contact with the ice pack that is the most beneficial to the injured. Numbness makes it possible for those who are injured to move about easily and helps combat inflammation.
Buying an ice pack from a store, rather than relying on home remedies, can have its advantages. If you opt to buy a knee ice pack that comes filled with liquid that can be frozen, you will be able to reuse the product. These packs can be stored in a freezer and retrieved whenever they are needed. Users should be cautioned against leaving these types of packs outside of the freezer for too long, because they are in danger of drying up after an extended period of time at room temperature.
If you have an active lifestyle, it might be a good idea to invest in an ice pack that is designed to be compact and portable. Knee packs created in this style can be rolled or otherwise stored easily. They can usually fit into first-aid kits or be packed as part of camping, hiking or sports equipment.
It can benefit you to look for a knee ice pack that is flexible and somewhat padded. These ice packs have a better chance of comfortably fitting against your body. They can also increase your mobility after you've been injured.
If you want a versatile knee ice pack, you might think about investing in a wide-mouthed wrap. These wraps can be filled with either ice-cold water or hot water for cold and hot therapy, respectively. Buying one of these packs can alleviate a wide range of muscle and joint-related aches and pains.
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![An ice pack.]()
By: Kimberly ReinickAn ice pack. -
![Ice cubes for a knee ice pack.]()
By: karandaevIce cubes for a knee ice pack. -
![Ice packs may help to relieve knee pain.]()
By: snyferIce packs may help to relieve knee pain. -
![Applying an ice pack to a knee helps reduce pain, stiffness and swelling.]()
By: nitoApplying an ice pack to a knee helps reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. -
![Resealable plastic bags are an inexpensive ice pack solution, but they may leak.]()
By: koosenResealable plastic bags are an inexpensive ice pack solution, but they may leak. -
![Gel ice packs can be contoured slightly to the bend of the knee.]()
By: LovrencgGel ice packs can be contoured slightly to the bend of the knee.
Discussion Comments
I don't recommend the gel ice packs for those who have to use ice packs regularly. I've been through three or four so far and none of them have lasted more than a few months. Unfortunately, they're not made very durable and break open after a certain number of uses. And once it breaks open, it can't be used.
Some gel ice packs come with a warranty but it's pain to have the manufacturer replace it. They usually mention the warranty on the label but are of little help when a replacement is needed.
@ddljohn-- I use a knee wrap with gel ice packs. They work great. The wrap is basically a joint wrap that keeps your knee in place. The gel ice packs are separate and are inserted into the wrap. So you can use the wrap with or without the ice packs.
If you get an extra ice pack, you can rotate them. One pack usually lasts me for several hours. When I take the other one out of the freezer, I put the warm one in. If you have a fridge at work, you should be just fine with two ice packs.
Which type of knee ice pack is best for daily use?
I had knee surgery several weeks ago. When I was resting at home, I was using a regular ice pack because I was lying down all the time. I've started going to work now and I can't carry the ice pack with me. Should I get a knee ice wrap? How many hours do they remain cold for?
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