If you’ve ever had an injury or ailment that requires ice, you probably know that not all ice packs are the same. Trying to find one that’s the right shape and size can be a challenge, and keeping it in place while you’re using it can be frustrating. Finding the right fit to get some relief from the pain can be tough, so here are some tips to choose the right ice pack for you.
Best ice pack for knees and ankles
For knees and ankles, ice packs that wrap all the way around the joint are the best for a couple of reasons. First, the ice will cool down the whole joint, helping reduce inflammation from all directions, providing better pain relief. Second, ice packs that wrap the joint are easier to keep in place, making them more comfortable. An added bonus for this type of ice pack is that it can also provide some gentle compression to the joint, helping to reduce pain that way as well.
Best ice packs for your back
Getting an ice pack to stay on your back can be tricky, but there are a couple of ways to deal with this issue. The first is to choose a large ice pack with elastic, Velcro straps that will cover your whole back. This can be a good option if you have pain that encompasses a larger area of the back or if the back pain makes it hard to reach certain areas—the larger size of the ice pack and the straps will make it easier to position it. For localized relief, a wrapping strip-sized ice pack can help.
Best ice pack for your upper back and neck
An ice pack for your upper back and neck is best shaped like a high-collared vest, with a part of the ice pack that wraps over your shoulders and is held in place with Velcro. This shape of ice pack will also work for upper back pain and some types of shoulder pain as well. While there are some ice packs that are designed to sit only against the upper part of the neck, these are a little too small for most neck pain and they also can feel constricting to some people.
Best ice packs for wrists and elbows
For smaller joints like wrists and elbows, using a smaller wrapping-type ice pack will work well. These have the same advantages as the larger, wrap-type ice packs for knees and shoulders. You can also try an ice pack that’s specifically designed for your wrist that fits like a fingerless glove that will put some targeted compression on your joint.
Best ice pack for your hands
To ice your hand for joint pain from an injury or arthritis, a mitten-shaped ice pack will work the best. This will surround the joints in your hand and fingers with ice, cooling the whole area down and reducing inflammation. Using a larger ice pack like this will also stay cold for longer, making it easier to cool down the whole joint.
Best ice pack for your head
For a headache, nothing beats the ice pack that wraps your head and covers your eyes. While the cold is a little bit intense sometimes, it stays in place better than other options and adds some compression as well. This type of ice pack will help with tension headaches as well as migraines.
Best ice pack in a pinch
In a pinch, a homemade pack using a freezer bag and karo syrup will get as cold as regular ice, but will stay in a gel-like state, making it easier to mold to the shape you need it to be. Pour a whole 16oz bottle of karo syrup into a freezer bag and then double the bag to guard against leaks. Using a pillow case between the plastic bag and your skin will make it more comfortable and easier to keep in place.