13 Best Ice Packs for Knees to Relieve Pain And Inflammation

Updated on Feb 07, 2024

Knee discomfort can make you feel like you are a hundred years old. The soreness can exhaust you and leave you frustrated, because of which your entire day can get ruined. So, rather than growling in pain and complaining about your sufferings all day long, invest in the best ice packs for knees that will help you ease your pain in an uncomplicated manner. You just have to pop them in the freezer for a bit and place them on your knees. Then, sit back and relax till you feel better. 

The knee ice bags are a type of cold therapy that are used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints. According to studies, you can also use them after a knee surgery to fasten the recovery process (1). To be noted, ice packs are mainly of two types — gel-based and natural clay-based. Usually, the knee wrap or belt that consists of a gel filling needs to be frozen before use. On the other hand, clay packs, which are filled with natural clay-based materials, can be kept in the refrigerator to retain their shape. However, if you don’t know which one to select, scroll down and take a look at an extensive list of options and chill your way to recovery.

Our top picks

13 Best Ice Packs for Knees

Rester’s Choice cold wraps for knees are here to help alleviate your pain effectively! They are the best knee ice caps if you have any kind of ache, including back pain from riding your motorcycle or spasms after knee surgery. These ice caps are known to last a lifetime and they easily conform to all shapes, being made from extra thin nylon material. And, our analysis of this product revealed that they are also built to cater to every type of muscle ache and inflammation. Addedly, you can also heat it in the microwave and use it as a heating pad.

Pros

• Offers both hot and cold therapy
• Made from nylon material
• Long-lasting Durable
• Flexible even when frozen
• Affordable

Cons

• Can be heavy to hold

2

Most Flexible

Chattanooga ColPac Reusable Gel Ice Pack

Chattanooga’s ColPac gel ice pack is specially designed for extensive use and ensures effective cold therapy. It is filled with non-toxic silica gel that remains cold for up to 30 minutes and offers relief from pain, and swelling. However, this one can’t be used for heat therapy and while using this ice pack, you also need to make sure you place a cloth in between your knees and the wrap. This will help in preventing your skin from getting a frostbite. And, after you are done using it, wipe off extra moisture from the pack and place it back in the refrigerator.

Pros

• Reusable
• Relieves acute pain
• Available in many sizes
• Gel filling
• Remains cold for 30 minutes
• Flexible

3

Best Non-toxic Gel

TrekProof Reusable Hot / Cold Pack

TrekProof’s 3-piece adjustable and reusable hot and cold pack kit provides therapeutic relief for pain, stiff joints, and aching muscles. The ice packs are crafted with skin-safe fabric that is soft, flexible, and durable. Also, they are body-forming and safe to heat in the microwave for hot therapy.  Additionally, it’s a “one size fits all” kind of a belt that’s perfect for men and women of all body types.

Pros

• Non-toxic
• BPA free
• Reusable
• Skin-safe

4

Most Comfortable

Vive Knee Ice Pack Wrap

Vive’s wrap around ice pack for knees offers adjustable compression which majorly contributes in relieving both anterior and posterior knee pain swiftly. It also effectively reduces swelling, bruising, and inflammation. Besides that, the pack includes three removable gel wraps suitable for both hot and cold therapy. And, as indicated by our tests, the belt can be secured with a fastener system with four adjustable straps and it fits all the knee circumferences up to 21 inches. 

Pros

• Lightweight
• Targets front and back of knees
• Latex-free
• Breathable fabric
• Available in three colors

5

Most Skin-friendly

MEDVICE Reusable Hot And Cold Ice Packs

If you want a premium-quality hot and cold therapy at an inexpensive price, then this is one of the best ice packs for knee pain. It freezes in 60 minutes, heats up in just 30 seconds but stays warm for longer periods of time, and is also microwave safe. Furthermore, in addition to being long-lasting, it is made from skin-safe fabric and has a no-leakage design. So now, you don’t have to worry about ruining your dress while applying a cold or hot compress to your knees. 

Pros

• Stays warm and cold for more than 30 minutes
• Skin-safe fabric
• Flexible velcro strap
• Affordable
• Lightweight
• No leakage design

Cons

• Available in only one color

6

Most Long-lasting

REVIX DOUBLE COVER KNEE ICE PACK

Made with durable nylon and stretchable neoprene, this ice pack provides instant pain relief as the cold compression it provides helps to numb the area and reduce swelling. Moreover, the straps on it fit the knee perfectly and you won’t have to worry about them sliding down. You can also stand or walk while the ice pack stays wrapped to your knee. And as indicated by our tests, you won't get frostbites any more thanks to the belt's soft side that gradually helps you get used to the cold.

Pros

• Comes with a storage bag
• Has a soft exterior
• Made from durable nylon
• Adjustable strap
• Skin-friendly
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Can’t use it for hot therapy

7

Most Durable

TheraPAQ Knee Ice Pack Wrap

TheraPaq offers one of the best ice wraps for knee pain, which delivers up to 30 minutes of continuous fast-acting relief via both hot and cold therapy. You won’t have to keep reheating it or freezing it again every 10 minutes like other belts. And, as per our research, the knee brace comes with an adjustable strap that allows you to control the amount of pressure you want to add. Furthermore, it can handle any level of temperature for all kinds of pains and aches. So, go on, try it for yourself and we are sure you won’t be disappointed! 

Pros

• Both hot and cold therapy
• Provides instant pain relief
• Long-lasting
• Lightweight
• Doesn’t irritate the skin
• Can be used by pregnant women

Cons

• Only one color available

8

Best Adjustable Support Wrap

CryoMAX Cold Pack

Go hands-free with CryoMax’s knee ice pack that stays cold for about 8 hours. When we trialed this product, we saw many benefits like there were no cold spots, frostbites, or clumping of gel inside. Plus, it was efficiently long-lasting and flexible. Apart from this, the comfort-fit support belt also allows maximum mobility for people who can't sit in one place. And lastly, whether you're going for a run, working at your office, or sweating it out at the gym, this pack will be your forever companion to get rid of knee pain.

Pros

• Hands-free ice pack
• 8-hours cooling effect
• No cold spots
• Flexible
• Non-toxic
• Latex-free

Cons

• Not suitable for hot therapy

9

Best Reusable Ice Pack

Koo-Care Reusable Ice Pack

Koo-Care’s ice belt encompasses a nylon gel pack, blue polyester wrap, and extension wrap with a pouch to store your essentials. To note, the extension wrap feels very soft and comfortable on your skin and can be fastened at your desired rate of compression. Furthermore, based on our observations, it also has a unique two-impression design that limits the flow of the gel partly and helps in maintaining uniform distribution. This ensures there is no clumping or cold spotting. 

Pros

• Uniform gel distribution
• Large coverage
• Both hot and cold therapy
• Non-toxic gel
• Flexible
• Reusable

Cons

• Looks a bit tacky

10

Most Lightweight

THE COLDEST Knee Ice Pack

Ensure faster pain relief with this knee ice pack by The Coldest. It perfectly fits the circumference of your knees and you can easily walk around while wearing this since it is hands-free, flexible, and the straps hold the ice pack in place. Plus, it is easy to wear and doesn’t cause any discomfort to your skin. It is also designed with the coldest webbing technology for speedy recovery from soreness, injuries, and sprains. 

Pros

• Coldest technology
• Flexible
• Easy to wear
• Ensures faster recovery
• Lightweight
• Skin-friendly

11

ThermiPAQ Reusable Hot Cold Ice Pack

Reduce your knee pain effectively with ThermiPaq’s ice pack! Instead of a gel filling, it has all natural clay-based materials and thermal ceramic compounds. This means, you can use it as both hot and cold therapy. It also stays flexible when it’s frozen. Plus, based on our observations, the soft cover provides added comfort and stays hot and cold for longer periods of time. In addition to that, the hook and loop straps let it stay in place, acting as a shoulder wrap for pain reduction.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Hot and cold therapy
• Flexible
• Affordable
• Soft cover

Cons

• A little heavy

12

Relief Expert Ice Pack

Relief Expert’s leak-proof cold pack for knees helps relieve swelling and inflammation and to prevent leakage, its edge is sealed with double-seam technology. This means, you can directly keep the pack on your skin and let the mild chillness penetrate your injured knee without any protection. You also don’t have to worry about frost bites and skin problems because the wrap has a soft fabric exterior that is skin-friendly. Furthermore, it has two long elastic neoprene straps to tightly conform the wrap around your knees.

Pros

• Durable nylon
• Firm sewing
• Leak-proof
• Double-seam structure
• One size fits all
• Can be used without a towel

13

World-Bio Knee Cold Pack For Injury

World-Bio’s non-toxic and latex-free gel ice packs for knees don’t just provide relief to the injured area but also help in speedy recovery. And, our analysis of the product revealed that the pack includes two soft reusable hot and cold gel packs with two extra elastic adjustable velcro straps which prevents the belt from gliding or falling down. Furthermore, the knee wrap remains flexible and cold for at least 20 minutes. Alternatively, when it is heated, it becomes leak-proof and provides therapeutic relief to stiff joints and aching muscles. 

Pros

• Velcro straps
• Adjustable
• Durable
• Soft Firm sewing
• Non-toxic

Now that you have seen our product recommendations for the best ice packs for knees, take a look at our buying guide and steps to use one to make an informed purchase. 

How to Choose the Best Ice Pack for Knees?

Before selecting an ice pack, you first need to think about the type of injury or condition you are trying to alleviate at the moment. Once you've decided which pain you're going to treat, consider the following factors:

• Internal Filling: Find out which type of ice pack will suit your needs the best at the moment – water, gel, or clay-based. Both of them can conform to any shape. They can also be heated or chilled based on your requirements. 
• Comfort: Choose an ice pack that is comfortable to wear or hold against the knee. Many of these packs leave an ugly burn. That’s why you need to look for products that are made of soft materials and adjustable straps. 
• Therapy Effectiveness: Consider the ice pack's ability to provide effective cold or hot therapy. If you want to save some money and invest in a product that offers both properties, then go for TheraPAQ’s knee wrap.  
• Durability: Choose an ice pack that is durable, flexible, and long-lasting. Look for options that are made with high-quality materials and can withstand repeated use.
• Easy to Use: Look for ice packs that are easy to use and convenient to store. Some ice packs occupy all the space inside the freezer. That’s why you need to purchase one that can be folded and tucked in one corner so it doesn’t hog the freezer space. 

Conclusion

Going through constant knee pain can be excruciating. It has the ability to restrict you to a place, hampering your movement and other day-to-day activities. So, examine the best ice packs for knees from the above list and invest in one keeping in mind the type of pain you are experiencing and which choice of filling will suit you the best (water, gel, or clay). Additionally, you may also need to consult a healthcare professional for recommendations based on your specific injury or condition. 

FAQ's

What is the best way to put ice on your knees?

When you are using a reusable gel or clay ice pack, place it in the freezer for the recommended amount of time. Don’t keep the ice pack directly on the affected area. Place a cloth in between to prevent frostbite and blood clots.

How long can you leave an ice pack on your knees?

It is usually recommended to leave an ice pack on your knees for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time, up to three to four times per day. If you leave it for longer than 30 minutes, it can cause skin damage.

Is it okay to ice your knees every day?

Yes. If you have swelling, pain, or inflammation, then you can apply ice several times every day.

What is the fastest way to relieve knee pain?

The first step of relieving knee pain is resting. Take a break from your usual activities and relax for a while. Based on the type of injury you have, select hot or cold therapy for pain relief. Cold therapy ice packs can be wrapped around the knee to reduce inflammation and swelling.

How do you reduce inflammation in the knees?

Applying ice packs is the best way to reduce inflammation in the knees. You can also take anti-inflammatory medication after consulting with your doctor.

Is it better to ice or heat the knee to get rid of pain?

This completely depends on what you intend to accomplish because heat helps loosen tight muscles and joints and relieves pain and muscle spasms, whereas ice reduces swelling, inflammation, and bruising.

Why Trust Pinkvilla

Knee injuries can be highly painful and cause a lot of discomfort. Shebna, the author of this article, is a health & fitness coach and recommends using ice packs to get relief from pain, swelling, and inflammation. She always keeps an ice pack at her home to use in case of knee pain or injury. After hours of research, she has crafted this collection of the best ice packs for knees to get rid of pain in the blink of an eye. She swears by using TrekProof Reusable Hot/Cold Pack — it provides quick relief from aching muscles, and its soft fabric keeps the skin safe.

Article Sources +

Application of Ice for Postoperative Total Knee Incisions – Does this Make Sense? A Pilot Evaluation of Blood Flow Using Fluorescence Angiography

Author BIO

Shebna is a content creator with an experience of over 6 years and likes to delve into all things health and fit More

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