[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EIn%20the%20world%20of%20competitive%20sports%20particularly%2C%20it%E2%80%99s%20nearly%20impossible%20to%20not%20get%20injured%20in%20some%20way%2C%20shape%2C%20or%20form.%20There%E2%80%99s%20probably%20some%20sort%20of%20ice%20thrown%20in%20a%20bag%2C%20given%20to%20you%2C%20and%20wrapped%20to%20the%20abrasion%20to%20help%20with%20the%20pain.%20If%20you%E2%80%99re%20an%20athlete%2C%20then%20you%E2%80%99ve%20surely%20heard%20this%20story%20before.%20As%20much%20as%20ice%20is%20an%20essential%20part%20of%20the%20healing%20process%2C%20its%20true%20function%20may%20very%20well%20differ%20from%20what%20you%20may%20think.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
Ice is ideal for more painful injuries that come with lots of swelling. The temperature of the ice slows the blood circulation in the area to reduce the pain and spasming of the muscles. For major injuries such as a sprained ankle or re-injuring a previous injury, ice tampers down the inflammation and helps numb the pain.
Rather than help ‘heal’ the injury, ice deals with the physical effects of having sustained the wound. It’s important to apply ice packs to serious injuries in order to avoid joint and tendon pain. Reusable packs are also easy to manage, don’t drip nearly as much (if at all) like their ziplock bag counterparts, and can be re-cooled at any time of the day.
Information Every Buyer Should Know When Purchasing Ice Packs for Injuries
Injuries begin to heal when blood rushes to the affected area, which may cause it to bleed, in order to form clots. This process prevents germs from infecting the wound. From here, the immune system kicks in to further protect and heal the wound.
Throughout this process, it isn’t ice, but rather heat and nutrients from the blood, that are used to heal the injury. The differences between the functions of heat and ice are very different, yet both are essential to the healing process of an injury.
When deciding to nurse your injury, it is essential to keep in mind what exactly it is you want to achieve and the method with which you want to achieve it. If you would rather have the injury heal a little faster and it doesn’t give you tremendous amounts of pain, then applying a heating pack would be effective.
However, if your goal is to tamper down the pain and reduce swelling in the area, an ice pack can definitely benefit you. Using an ice pack to the best of your advantage involves a common series of steps. Keep in mind it is nearly always recommended to have a cloth between your skin and the pack to prevent freezer burn or further agitating the skin. With consistency and proper use, you can manage the injury easier and smarter.
The acronym describing the principle of caring for your injury is called RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. These four components make treating injuries a faster process and ensure that those who are treating the injuries do so correctly and efficiently.
- Rest – Rather than ceasing activity altogether, it is essential to not bring any further damage to the injured area. Not moving at all could actually be a detriment to the injury, as conditions such as muscle atrophy could arise. Movement without pain can be a positive for the healing process.
- Ice – Any injury with pain or swelling would benefit from icing. Ice should only be applied for around 15-20 minutes at a time to prevent ice burn. Allow anywhere from 40-60 minutes between icing periods. Reduce the icing time to around 10 minutes if placed on softer tissues (i.e., neck, hands, groin, etc.).
- Compression – Combined with the icing aspect, compression does wonders for reducing swelling. For injuries involving your muscles or skeleton, compression can also be very beneficial. It should be continued all throughout the day and removed at night.
- Elevation – To reduce internal bleeding, elevate the injury above the heart. This also prevents any fluid pooling in the area. As long as there is swelling present, it should stay elevated, even at night.
Best Ice Packs for Injuries
[product_tables id=”1272″]
[numbered-heading label=”FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EMany%20physical%20therapists%20around%20the%20USA%20rely%20on%20this%20brand%20for%20its%20professional%20quality.%20Its%20durability%20lets%20this%20cold%20pack%20last%20for%20hundreds%20of%20cold%20treatments.%20Bringing%20this%20professionalism%20into%20your%20home%20will%20surely%20benefit%20your%20health.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-4 sizes to choose from
-Stays colder longer
-Very flexible
-Double sealed to prevent leakage” cons=”-May be too cold” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2QAUO6o” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Reusable Ice Pack with Strap by TheraPAQ” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20belt%20that%20comes%20with%20this%20ice%20pack%20is%20adjustable%20to%20your%20body%20type%2C%20so%20it%20can%20secure%20safety%20to%20your%20injury%20without%20moving.%20It%20can%20be%20used%20for%20general%20aches%2C%20pains%2C%20and%20for%20recovery%20after%20sicknesses.%20Use%20this%20leak-proof%2C%20secure%20ice%20pack%20if%20you%E2%80%99re%20wishing%20to%20concentrate%20cold%20(or%20heat!)%20on%20one%20small%20area%20of%20your%20body%20for%20best%20results.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Both hot and cold compression
-Adjustable belt
-Re-cools quickly
-Great for bigger body parts” cons=”-Cannot hold heat as long as cold” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/32HpI2S” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Gel Ice Pack with Wrap by TheraPAQ” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EAlthough%20this%20comes%20with%20a%20sleeve%20to%20put%20on%20the%20skin%2C%20because%20of%20how%20cold%20the%20pack%20itself%20can%20get%2C%20those%20with%20sensitive%20skin%20may%20still%20deem%20it%20to%20be%20too%20cold%20for%20comfort.%20TheraPAQ%20recommends%20putting%20the%20pack%20in%20the%20freezer%20for%20at%20least%20two%20hours%20and%20apply%20for%2015-20%20minutes%20at%20a%20time.%20While%20it%20is%20essential%20to%20adhere%20to%20these%20rules%2C%20be%20wary%20if%20you%20are%20not%20a%20big%20fan%20of%20a%20constant%20strong%20chill%20on%20your%20skin.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Good for mobility
-Doubles as a compression wrap
-Stays put on major joints
-Can be used hot or cold” cons=”-Maybe too cold for some” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2EEXP38″ color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”ACE Reusable Cold Compress” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThese%20soft%20ice%20packs%20for%20injuries%20are%20also%20designed%20based%20around%20RICE%20recommendations%2C%20meaning%20that%20the%20pack%20will%20only%20stay%20cool%20for%20around%20minutes.%20Due%20to%20the%20way%20it%20was%20created%2C%20the%20pack%20will%20never%20be%20as%20cold%20as%20the%20fridge%20(don%E2%80%99t%20put%20this%20one%20in%20the%20freezer!)%20you%20put%20it%20in.%20It%E2%80%99s%20engineered%20to%20only%20retain%20enough%20cold%20to%20make%20your%20skin%20comfortable.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Soft fabric can directly touch skin
-Flexible and soft
-Doesn’t get uncomfortably cold” cons=”-May leak after excessive use” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3lvx6Xl” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Ohuhu Cold Reusable Ice Pack” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThese%20are%20also%20very%20suitable%20for%20kids%2C%20as%20they%20are%20not%20as%20cold%20as%20ice%20packs.%20You%20can%20use%20these%20for%20hours%20on%20end%20since%20all%20they%20need%20is%20a%20source%20of%20ice%20to%20keep%20cool.%20Perfect%20if%20you%20have%20sensitive%20skin%20or%20simply%20dislike%20having%20to%20wait%20between%20periods%20of%20re-cooling.%20If%20you%E2%80%99re%20looking%20for%20something%20simple%20to%20use%20and%20reuse%20without%20having%20to%20wait%2C%20this%20might%20be%20your%20solution.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Leak-resistant cap
-Different sizes available
-Good for those who prefer bags to packs” cons=”-Needs ice and ice water” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3gGf29B” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Round Reusable Gel Ice Packs” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EUnlike%20normal%20sized%20packs%2C%20these%20are%20tiny%20enough%20to%20go%20on%20your%20eyes%2C%20private%20areas%2C%20ears%2C%20etc.%20You%20can%20even%20use%20these%20packs%20on%20kids%20for%20bruises%20that%20they%20may%20have.%20It%20also%20functions%20as%20a%20heat%20pack%2C%20and%20can%20last%20for%20a%20similar%20amount%20of%20time.%20If%20you%E2%80%99re%20looking%20to%20really%20pinpoint%20your%20pain%2C%20then%20these%20smaller%20packs%20could%20work%20to%20your%20advantage.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Multi-use & convenient
-Perfect for smaller areas
-Soft cloth backing
-Non-toxic and latex free” cons=”-Does not stay cold long” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2EO76pC” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Ice Pack (2-Piece Set) – Reusable Hot and Cold Therapy Gel Wrap” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20two%20packs%20can%20be%20rotated%20in%20and%20out%20of%20the%20freezer%20when%20not%20in%20use%20to%20ensure%20you%20always%20have%20a%20cold%20pack.%20These%20are%20very%20versatile%2C%20as%20you%20can%20use%20them%20for%20heat%2C%20too.%20Say%20goodbye%20to%20headaches%2C%20swelling%2C%20and%20stiffness%20with%20these%20multi-use%20ice%20packs.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Comes with two packs
-Cloth sleeve included
-Travel-friendly
-Cools rapidly” cons=”-Strap may not fit very all” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3gGfrJ9″ color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Neck Ice Pack by Arctic Flex” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EEach%20ice%20pack%20is%20made%20with%20vinyl%2C%20which%20is%20resistant%20to%20tearing%20and%20leaking%2C%20and%20it%20stays%20cold%20for%20much%20longer%20than%20you%E2%80%99ll%20need%20it%20on%20(as%20the%20average%20amount%20of%20time%20is%2020%20minutes).%20With%20this%20ice%20pack%2C%20you%E2%80%99ll%20have%20a%20soft%2C%20gentle%2C%20and%20versatile%20way%20to%20decrease%20inflammation%20from%20your%20aches.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Large size fits most
-Designed specifically for neck & shoulder area, but can be used anywhere
-Stays flexible through cold
-Safe for sensitive skin” cons=”-Need a towel to protect skin” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2Z1vpYr” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Koo-Care 2 Flexible Gel Ice Pack” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EDon%E2%80%99t%20worry%20about%20movement%20in%20these%20secure%20ice%20packs.%20Included%20are%20two%20velcro%20straps%20and%20an%20additional%20extender.%20The%20weight%20of%20these%20packs%20allows%20for%20high%20comfort%20and%20conformability%20to%20the%20skin.%20Due%20to%20the%20nylon%20material%20and%20gel%20inside%2C%20it%20remains%20extremely%20durable%20after%20many%20uses%2C%20an%20essential%20for%20the%20accident%20prone!%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Comes with matching wrap
-More gel included (weighs 1.1 lbs)
-CE and FDA approved
-Functions as both an ice and heat pack” cons=”-Water condenses on surface easily” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2EM50WW” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Chattanooga ColPac Reusable Gel Ice Pack” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EDue%20to%20the%20various%20sizes%20available%20to%20choose%20from%2C%20Chattanooga%20is%20a%20great%20option%20if%20you%E2%80%99re%20looking%20to%20wrap%20this%20around%20a%20foot%2C%20leg%2C%20arm%2C%20etc.%20Even%20with%20daily%20use%2C%20this%20ice%20pack%20stays%20consistent%20in%20its%20performance%20and%20will%20continue%20to%20remain%20pliable%20throughout%20its%20life.%20Although%20there%20is%20also%20some%20extra%20weight%20with%20this%20ice%20pack%2C%20it%E2%80%99ll%20conform%20nicely%20to%20support%20your%20body.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Caters to many sizes
-Easily wraps around limbs
-No condensation
-Pliable gel on the inside” cons=”-Cannot use as a hot pack” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3b70wX0″ color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
Final Thoughts
Icing injuries can be very easy and convenient if you choose the right product and use it healthily. As long as the ice is used properly, you could see huge differences in your wound. With proper use of the RICE method, you can easily reduce the inflammation within the area.
Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to alter between heat and ice in order to get more blood flowing to the injury while you reduce the pain. Also, do not forget to take into consideration your skin type. If it is too sensitive to temperature, opt for packs that are not so strong on the skin.
Disposable ice packs for injuries do exist, but it is much more cost effective to get a reusable one, especially since it is inevitable that we will feel pain or even get injured while we exercise. However, this does not mean that we should go without knowledge of proper treatment.
By combining cold and heat to treat injuries we sustain, we can keep the abrasion in check and ensure it heals as fast as possible. In order to avoid further pain and swelling, try getting an ice pack to help! From aches to headaches, you’ll surely reap from its benefits.