7 Best Ice Packs for Injuries - Reviewed by Physical Therapist
Written by: Marijune Tiamzon, RN, MHPNP
Article Reviewed & Updated on 10/15/2023
Trying to find the best ice packs for injuries can be such a daunting task. Which is why many of us simply use a drippy ice bag or frozen bag of peas.
But what’s better, a bag of frozen veggies or a purpose-driven ice pack?
You see, if you want something that will truly work for your specific needs, then what you need is a specially designed ice pack.
Ice packs work best for pain relief as well as to prevent swelling after an injury. They come in different shapes and designs and picking the best out of the numerous brands on the market is usually a tough call.
This is why you need this review of the best ice packs for injuries to help you make the best decision. But wait, what makes a good ice pack?
Buying Ice Packs for Injuries: What You Should Consider
You want something that works well and targets your specific situation. It is therefore important that you consider a few things before investing your hard earned money on the next available ice pack.
When it comes to buying the best ice packs, you want something that will fit nicely and mold to the area you want it to cover.
Pay attention to the material that the ice pack is made of. You don’t want something that will continue to drip, leak or perspire on you while using it.
Durability is another important factor. Reusable ice packs for injuries come to mind. As cheap as these things may be, it’s still expected that you’ll want good value for your money.
You also have to consider versatility. To ensure you’re able to treat different injuries properly,you may consider keeping different varieties of ice packs. Fortunately, they are very much affordable and won’t cost you an arm and leg.
Where to buy?
A lot of people often ask where to buy ice packs for injuries. Lucky for you, we've reviewed several of the best ice packs sold online. Many of these type of ice packs are available on sites such as Amazon, Wal-Mart, as well as on the websites of many of the product manufacturers.
Now let's begin diving into our top pics of the best 7 reusable ice packs for injuries you’ll find right now on the market.
1. ColePak Comfort Hot Cold Gel Packs & Ice Wrap Set (2 Pack)
This ColePak Comfort reusable gel pack and ice wrap ticks all the boxes in the right place and it’s a must-have if you need something you can easily use and reuse conveniently.
This set contains two ice packs and a fleece ice wrap to protect the skin acting as a barrier to avoid direct skin contact.
The ice pack from ColePak Comfort is everything you’ll want in a perfect ice pack and recommended for use by physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, and moms who love their kids.
PROS
Can be easily packed for storage and trave
Includes 2 gel packs and 2 ice wrap (soft fabric cover)
The gel pack can be used either as a hot or cold pack
Most flexible - easily fit and mold to the area
CONS
Wish they stayed cold longer than 40 minutes
2. Hot Cold Reusable Ice Bag by Ohuhu
This Ohuhu ice bag sports a traditional ice bag design and is, in fact, one of the best reusable ice pack for injuries. It’s super easy to clean as you’ll drain the water out. However, you’ll need to fill it up after each use.
PROS
It doesn’t leak or perspire, thanks to the innovative design
Fits and mold nicely due to the balance between the weight of the water and the bag’s size.
The weight of the bag makes it feel cool and soothing to use.
CONS
Well, it will take a bit of time to dry after each use and cleaning
3. ChattanoogaColPac Cold Therapy Reusable Gel Packs
The Chattanooga ColPac is no doubt a big deal as far as cold therapy is concerned. Along with being perfectly suitable for use in first aid, it is also designed for heavy clinic use. Its effectiveness for pain relief is why it’s easily one of the best ice pack choices available today.
PROS
Promises more than thirty minutes of cool soothing relief from pain and swelling
Easily gets cold over and over again
Super flexible and pliable without the gels sliding toone side
CONS
Few people had issues with the size and weight. If you’ll be using it over an area that will be sensitive to weight be sure you’re going for the right size.
4. Round Reusable Gel Ice Packs Hot or Cold by Icewraps
Aside from sudden injuries, cold therapy can also be used to reduce pain in several other instances. These round reusable gel packs by Icewraps may not be the best for injuries but will easily work as therapy for headaches, sinus relief, pulled teeth, tired eyes, etc.
The package contains five small packs which you can easily isolate to the area of intended use. Because of its effectiveness, these gel packs have earned a spot in this review as one of the best ice packs for injuries.
PROS
Excellently durable and won’t pop or tear easily
Cool and soothing for bites, bruises, or swollen eyes
Can also be used as a hot gel pack by heating in the microwave for ten seconds
CONS
They may not stay cold for a long period
5. FlexiKold Gel Flexible Ice Packs for Injuries - 10.5" x 14.5"
Rounding off our top five list of the best ice packs forinjuries is the very impressive Large Flexible & Reusable Flexicold Gel Ice Pack .
By no means the least effective, this reusable ice pack is best known for its XL size and its ice wrap to wrap around large areas of the body.
Constructed for daily use and durability. Contains non-toxic silica gel.
Known as the Most Flexible Cold Pack formulated to be the best professional-grade gel interior. The best feature is its flesoft fabric ice wrap to insert the large gel pack and acts as a barrier to prevent direct skin contact with the ice pack.
Once again, this ticks the boxes at the rightplace making it one of the best reusable ice packs for injuries as of today.
PROS
Perfectly sized to fit the back, knee, shoulder, and hip
Built with double-sealed seams to prevent leaking
Gel pack is evenly distributed and is flexible enough to mold to most body parts
Stays colder than other large sized ice packs
CONS
Feels a bit heavy due to its size
6. TheraPAQ Foot & Ankle Pain Relief Ice Wrap
To relieve pain and swelling from various foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, sprains, Achilles' tendon pain, heel spurs, fractured foot, foot surgery, or foot pain.
This foot and ankle ice wrap is perfect to reduce swelling and provide soothing relief from for aching feet and ankles.
Made of breathable neoprene material with two inside pockets to insert the gel packs. One pocket covers the back of the leg and the other pocket covers the bottom of the foot.
PROS
Includes 2 freezable or microwaveable non-toxic gel packs
1 foot wrap to secure with adjustable hook -and-loop straps
Great to use for swollen feet
Foot ice wrap stays put with light mobility
CONS
Does not provide enough coverage for the heel
Size may run small
7. ColePak Comfort Knee Ice Pack Wrap
Do you suffer from knee pain? Are you looking for an ice pack for your knees after having knee surgery?
This knee ice pack wraps around your knee and stays in place while still walking around.
Targets the area to reduce swelling and provide soothing effect.
Great for knee replacements, post surgery, torn ACL & meniscus, runner's knee, herniated discs, muscle aches, strained muscles, or sore knees.
Knee Ice Pack Wrap - Soft Plush Interior
PROS
Fully functional to wrap around your knee and still walk
Both ice packs stay cold longer
Elastic straps with hook-and-loop fasteners for a secure fit
Stays flexible when frozen
CONS
Does not include a fleece/fabric cover wrap
Final Verdict
Should you decide to buy an ice pack soon, you’ll find eitherof the above choices very effective.
However your choice should be based on your type of specific injury to better target the affected area.
Currently, most people appear to favor gel packs that can be used with an ice wrap so that you will be able to walk around while icing. They love the convenience factor while treating the affected area. Either way, we hope that our top picks will assist you in deciding which ice packs are best for you!
