Ice packs are not a big deal when you’re in great health and nothing hurts. But when life throws you a curve ball and you need a total knee replacement – yes, ICE PACKS ARE A REALLY BIG DEAL! There are lots of ice packs for knee replacement surgery as well as ice machines for knee surgery, some good some bad – so how do you know you’re getting a good one?
Until earlier this year, whenever I had pain, I usually just picked up whatever there was at the closest drug store and thought that was fine.
That all that changed when I had total knee replacement surgery earlier this year. Icing my knee has been a daily event ever since. Early on in my recovery it was hourly ordeal. So, I got very familiar with ice packs for knees.
Now when you spend that much time using any product you realize they are not all the same. By trial and error, I discovered the best ones that do the most effective job in all areas that matter, which I will cover below.
What to look for in the Best Ice Packs for Knee Replacement Surgery:
- Ability to keep desired temp: Its key for the pack to be able to keep long-lasting cold and long lasting heat. Otherwise, you will find yourself up and down either refreezing or heating it back up.
- Comfort: Your knee is going to be tender, so you want a material that is smooth, non-irritating that will not stick to skin.
- Adjustability: Securing an ice or heat pack to a swollen knee is crucial. A product that stays in place is key a quicker recovery. Also, the knee is more swollen in the first few weeks after surgery and then will continue to go down so its important to find an ice pack that can adapt to the changes in size.
- Durability: The ice pack you will be using after surgery will be used for a long time, unfortunately. And it will need to hold up against daily use. Also, a cover that is machine washable or able to be cleaned is paramount in keeping the ice pack sterile and sanitary.
Best Ice Packs for Knee
Here are the top Ice Packs for Knees based on quality and user experience.
- A to P Total Knee Wrap
- ActiveWrap Knee Wrap
- Kit Cold Rush Knee Ice Machine
- Polar Ice Wrap
- Shock Dock Ice Recovery Compression Knee Wrap
- Elasto Gel Therapy Wrap
1. A to P Total Knee Wrap
The A & P Wrap’s unique design offers a complete wrap around the knee, while allowing movement and individual adjustment with its three adjusting straps, with Velcro closures. We love that’s its highly adjustable yet still fits securely to the leg and doesn’t slip around.
This one size fits all unit is designed for thighs 13 inches to 26 inches. It boasts 3 removable ice inserts for full coverage, from calf to thigh, making it perfect for post knee replacement surgery. Additional ice packs are available, which is wonderful if you need to use it around the clock and just swap out the ice pack for cold ones. This ice pack was instrumental in my knee replacement surgery recovery. I only wish I had ordered it sooner.
What Users Are Saying:
- Every person who has knee surgery needs this item!
- has contributed 100% toward my speedy recovery
- Stays quite cold for a long time
- total and complete answer to our prayers
- easy to get on and off, yet stays put
- fast and free shipping
2. ActiveWrap Knee Wrap 
Uniquely designed with position straps secured anywhere inside the wrap it is perfect for post knee surgery, conforming to your unique shape during recover. Another stand out feature is that the ActiveWrap Knee Wrap’s gel pack are made from a thick cushioned elastic material instead of gel material that can push away from the knee. When you are mobile and using it, it stays put.
Made with neoprene material, it’s lightweight and very comfortable to wear. It can also be used hot or cold for maximum benefit. We think this ice wrap is perfect for stage two of recovery because it is streamlined and doesn’t move around when you are up and about.
What Users Are Saying:
- Better that my hospital-issued ice machine
- The answer to fast pain relief
- Construction of the wrap is top notch
- Best icing system I have ever used
- Thick “gel” pads stay right on the knee unlike other I have used
- Worth every penny
- Fast and free shipping
3. Ice Machine for Knee Replacement
The Kit Cold Rush knee ice machine is a game changer, specifically for the first few days and weeks when it is hard to get up and switch out your ice pack for a cold one. This ice machine features highest ice-to-water ratio in the industry and a unique design that produces less heat transfer from the motor to the water combine to ensure cold therapy pain relief for up to 6 continuous hours. The built in pad is very comfortable and has soft elastic straps to keep it in place.
What Users Are Saying:
- Compared to other ice machines – this one wins on many fronts
- Soothing relief post knee surgery
- Most helpful device for knee replacement
- Recommended by my surgeon and I understand why
- Ice cold therapy for 8 hours
4. Ice Machine for Knee Replacement
The standout feature of the Polar Ice Wrap is the soft microfleece material, which is not only comfortable on skin, it keeps the wrap in place during use. With a simple hook and loop closure system, it can be put on and removed with ease. This ice wrap is perfect for stage two icing – 3 weeks to 12 weeks, post-op.
The Velcro attaches anywhere on the fabric making it very versatile and able to be configured into multiple locations on the knee. The dual effect of ice and compression that this unit has is tremendously effective toward the healing process.
What Users Are Saying:
- Great surface area coverage
- Stays put during movement
- Great combo if ice therapy and compression
- Shipped fast while I was recovering
- Extra coverage is worth the few extra bucks
5. Shock Dock ICE Recovery Compression Wrap
The Shock Dock Ice Recovery Compression Knee Wrap dominate the knee wrap market because of its 360-degree coverage. It completely surrounds the knee and joint to perform more like professional icing machines.
The Shock Doc also is a great two in one offering penetrating heat therapy which aids in blood flow and promotes healing. Adjustable straps with unique Z-Grip Closures ensure a compressed yet comfortable fit that keeps the wrap in place. Made from comfortable neoprene stretch material and available in 3 sizes with multiple ice inserts, its sure to be a custom fit to your knee. Our testing concluded that this was one of the best knee wraps for knee surgery because the ice pack stayed cold and in place for long periods of time.
What Users Are Saying:
- I tried many ice wraps for my knee replacement, this was the winner
- Helps so much with pain and swelling
- Compression and flexible long lasting ice packs kill the pain and swelling
- Best and most comfortable wrap out there
- Worth every penny
- Effective, easy to use, durable, fast shipping
6. Elasto-Gel Hot/Cold Knee Wrap
The Elasto Gel Therapy Wrap may look basic, but this simple ice wrap is a number one best seller for good reason. It is one of the only wraps that will not leak even when punctured. After knee surgery the last thing you what to do is be cleaning up leaking ice wrap gel. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles the other wraps featured do, it can me microwaved for heat therapy and can be used in a variety of other areas, including back, elbow, and upper or lower leg.
What Users Are Saying:
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- Knee surgery must have
- Its pliable and easy to wrap
- Versatile product with many uses
- It wraps around my knee just right
- Very cold and stays that way
- Gel is soft even when frozen
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