Ice packs are very effective first aid for a number of painful injuries. They can help reduce swelling around an injury, minimize bleeding, and relieve muscle pain and spasms.

Ice packs are also used on ankle sprains, wherein applying an ice pack at the start, and on and off for the next 48 hours will minimize swelling and pain. This is often true for athletes.

The principle of cold therapy or cryotherapy is what’s behind the use of ice packs. Cold effectively reduces blood flow to a certain area which in turn reduces inflammation that can cause pain. It can also decrease nerve activity temporarily, which can also minimize pain.

Ice Packs

Not all ice packs are created equal, so read on as we present you our top picks for the best ice packs you can buy to include in your first aid kit.

Top 5 Best Ice Packs

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

 

FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack

FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack (Standard Large: 10.5″ x 14.5″) – Reusable Ice Pack for Injuries (Cold Pack Compress to aid Back Injuries, Pain Relief for Shoulder, Ankle, Neck, Hip, Elbow, Wrist) – 6300-COLD
  • Colder For Longer: Reusable ice packs for injuries with proprietary gel interior that stays Colder for Longer than competing cold packs using inferior bentonite formulations.
  • More Flexible: The Most Flexible Cold Pack available due to the best professional-grade gel interior that remains pliable when frozen. Large Ice pack for knees, back, shoulders, hip, neck or anywhere injuries occur.
  • Healthcare Professionals Choice: The large ice pack used by thousands of Physical Therapists and other medical, healthcare professionals to aid acute and chronic pain relief, muscle pain, arthritis, inflammation, swelling, menopause-related hot flashes, headaches, and injury recovery.
  • Premium Construction: Each gel cold pack compress is built with double-sealed seams to prevent leaking; with extra thick nylon exterior. Washable and reusable cold therapy ice bags at its best.
  • Fast Pain Relief: for anywhere you need a cold pack compress: shoulders, hip, elbows, neck, legs, hands or feet. Try our reusable gel ice packs for knees, back injuries, or to aid any recovery.
Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

The FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack is a professional-grade ice pack that is the choice of physical therapists across the USA which you can now enjoy at home, in the workplace, or outdoors.

It is a reusable and washable ice pack that contains a patented-formula gel that stays cold longer than its nearest competitors, and remains pliable even when frozen.

It is flexible enough to conform to any part of your body to deliver an effective cold therapy treatment. It is ideal for your back, neck, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and joints.

This cold pack compress is made from an extra-thick and heavy-duty nylon material and is built with double-sealed seams, making it leak-free. It is designed to provide you with quality cold therapy session after session for hundreds of treatments.

It is perfect for the relief of chronic and muscle pain, arthritis, inflammation, headaches hot flashes related to menopause, and sports injuries.

ama 5

Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Packs

Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Packs (Set of 3) – Long Lasting Cold Freezer Packs for Large Coolers & Lunch Bags – Compress for Knee Injuries, Back Pain Relief, Post-Surgery Accessories
  • Lasting Cold: Our durable ice pack for both coolers and lunch boxes are colder than ice at 18° F (-8° C) to keep your favorite sandwiches & soft drinks cold for up to 48 hrs
  • Easy: Filling this 8-mil thick ice-cold pack is easy freezy! Add water once using the funnel, shake, screw cap on, & freeze until ready to use
  • Strong: Voted #1 in the 2017-18 Wiki EzVid Ice Pack competition, these cooler and lunch box ice packs are nylon-reinforced for freezer-to-lunch bag trips
  • Reusable: Replace pounds of ice & get our long-lasting lunch ice pack - without the totally-not-cool melted messes
  • Relief: These ice packs for coolers help soothe pain from injury or for post-surgery recovery; Note: Wrap and avoid direct skin contact
Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

The Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Packs are DIY reusable ice packs that are designed to last up to 48 hours of prolonged cooling at 18 degrees F. They are perfect for camping, fishing, hiking, boating, and for transport of perishable personal and commercial goods.

These ice packs are made with an aluminum and polyethylene blend reinforced with thin nylon to make them durable yet extremely flexible.

They also contain a proprietary gel mixture that turns solid when frozen. This gel mixture freezes faster and transfers its cooling effect more efficiently.

You can choose from two closure variants. The first one features a screw cap with a sealing cork and funnel, the second one is the zipper variant that can be sealed with an iron.

It is child-safe, made with non-toxic materials, and carries a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you encounter any issues, you can contact them and they will send you a replacement at no extra cost, no questions asked.

ama 5

Medpride Instant Cold Pack

Medpride Instant Cold Pack (5”x 6”) – Set of 6 Disposable Cold Therapy Ice Packs for Pain Relief, Swelling, Inflammation, Sprains, Strained Muscles, Toothache – for Athletes & Outdoor Activities
  • GET INSTANT PAIN RELIEF WITH COLD THERAPY: Did you sprain your ankle while running? Are your muscles sore? Do you suffer from toothache or headache? Did you get burnt or bitten by an insect? This instant ice packs will reduce the swelling and the inflammation, provide you with pain relief and speed up your recovery!
  • YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT THEM IN THE FREEZER: These cold therapy ice packs for injuries do NOT need a freezer to become ice cold. All you have to do is squeeze the center of the flexible ice pack and it will instantly become as cold as regular ice. This effect will last long enough to reduce your swelling and inflammation.
  • USE THE ICE PACKS ON ANY PART OF YOUR BODY: Medpride’s disposable ice packs come in packs of 6, and they are 5 x 6 inches each. Thanks to their practical size, you can use these cold ice packs on any part of your body, including your ankle, elbow, head, neck, hip, foot, wrist, knee, calf and shoulder.
  • CARRY THEM AROUND WITH EASE AND SAFETY: If you’re an athlete or you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or hunting, you should definitely carry at least one cold ice pack in your bag, along with your other first aid supplies. In this way, you will be able to deal with minor injuries and restore your mobility faster.
  • PREMIUM QUALITY DISPOSABLE KNEE ICE PACKS: Here at Medpride we’re very proud of the superior quality of our cold therapy foot ice packs, because we know they are effective and absolutely safe for your health. So place an order and you will never again have to deal with joint swelling or painful muscle strains!
Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

The Medpride Instant Cold Pack provides instant pain relief with cold therapy with no need for a freezer.

You simply squeeze the center of the ice pack and it will become as cold as ice in an instant, remaining cold enough to provide relief from the inflammation and swelling.

These disposable ice packs can be used on any part of your body including the head, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, and calf.

Each pack measures 5” by 6” and comes in packs of 24. You can carry them around or stock up your first aid kit for camping, hiking, and any other outdoor activities.

ama 5

Rester’s Choice Gel Packs and Wrap

Rester’s Choice Ice Pack for Injuries | 11″ x 14.5″ – Pack of 2 | Hot & Cold Pack | Reusable Gel Pack, Durable Construction, & Flexible When Frozen
  • RELIEVE PAIN EASILY - This reusable ice pad rapidly freezes for easy & frequent use. Hot or cold, it will ease your aches and reduce inflammation. Each pad is packed full of our proprietary gel to maintain temperatures longer than lead competitors.
  • COMPRESSION THERAPY - Alleviate pain and swelling using natural heat and cold compression. Use it as a microwave heating pad or as cold packs for injuries anywhere that needs it.
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Our large ice pack wrap is made to last with high quality binding that prevents leaks or tears, and a non-abrasive exterior thats gentle on skin. The sectional construction ensures the gel evenly distributes for better, easier application.
  • FLEXIBLE WHEN FROZEN - Scientifically formulated, our gel was designed to find the best balance of cooling temperatures while maximizing flexibility. Even when frozen, its pliable and easily wraps around your tender spots.
  • THE RESTERS CHOICE PROMISE - Guaranteed to last a lifetime, our hot & cold packs lessen your limps, better your back, and alleviate your aches forev
Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

The Rester’s Choice Gel Packs and Wraps are ice packs that are reusable, flexible, and designed for your shoulders, back, thighs, and shin to provide quick pain relief.

Using these ice packs is as easy as 1, 2, 3! You place the gel ice pack in the freezer, leave it for at least 2 hours, then gently knead it to conform to the shape of whatever body part needs relief.

These ice packs provide hands-free pain relief, as well. You just put the gel icepacks inside the wrap, secure the wrap comfortably around the affected area by adjusting the straps, and you have a comfortable and convenient cold therapy treatment without holding on to them for hours on end.

Rester’s Choice guarantees these ice packs to last a lifetime. You can have convenient cold therapy treatment right in your home, office, or on-the-go for many years to come.

ama 5

Healthy Packers Ice Pack for Lunch Box – Freezer Packs

Healthy Packers Ice Pack for Lunch Box – Freezer Packs – Original Cool Pack | Slim & Long-Lasting Ice Packs for Your Lunch or Cooler Bag (Set of 8)
  • Slim Lightweight and Long Lasting - Set of 8 slim, reusable and versatile hard gel ice packs. Each ice pack measures 7 x 4.7 x 0.5 inches. Keep your insulated cooler bag freezer-cold for longer!
  • Super Versatile - Perfect chillers for everyday use in lunchboxes, breastmilk bags, bento boxes and coolers. Great for kids to take to school in their totes, adults to the office or for outdoor camping. Keep your to go food containers cold and dry.
  • Safe and Durable - Our Cool Packs are made with 100% BPA-Free Non-Toxic materials. They stay cool as ice for many hours and keep your food fresh and your body fit. These small babies sure pack a punch!
  • Quality Guaranteed -Try the best ice packs available risk-free. You wont regret it. Not fully satisfied? Shoot us an email and well fully refund you no questions asked.
  • TSA Disclaimer: Healthy Packers Long lasting Cool packs can be brought through TSA security checkpoints when fully frozen or otherwise stored in checked baggage
Buy on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

The Healthy Packers Ice Pack for Lunch Box – Freezer Packs come in a set of 4 slim and reusable gel ice packs that offer versatile uses for breastmilk bags, coolers, lunch boxes, and the like.

Each ice pack measures 7” x 4.7” x 0.5”, compact enough to keep your cooler colder longer. It is perfect for outdoor camping to keep your food containers cold and dry.

These ice packs are made with 100% non-toxic and BPA-free materials that stay cold as ice for hours.

Healthy Packers backs these long-lasting ice packs with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. They will readily give a full refund should you be dissatisfied with these ice packs.

ama 5

Things To Remember When Using Ice Packs

Just like with any other first-aid treatments, an ice pack should be used with caution to prevent causing more injury.

First of all, you should always protect your skin. Putting an ice pack directly on your skin can cause skin irritations and allergies due to cold exposure. You would need to place a towel or cloth between your skin and the ice pack.

You should also monitor how long the ice pack stays on the injured area. You should do 15 minutes of application at 2-hour intervals to get the best results.

You should also keep in mind that cold therapy is effective only in the first 24 to 72 hours after your injury. It is best to seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible to avoid exacerbating the injury and causing more pain.

Ice packs should not also be used in certain circumstances such as in chronic conditions like diabetes, or blood vessel disorders such as Raynaud’s disease or vasculitis.