The best ice packs for knee should be comfortable, supportive, and offer therapeutic relief from pain and swelling. Vive’s knee ice pack wrap fulfills all of these requirements. Made from breathable neoprene with four in-built compression straps, it targets both the front and back of the knee. But that’s not all, read on to find out more about this versatile product!
Best Choice - Knee Ice Pack Wrap by Vive
Made from soft neoprene, Vive’s knee ice pack wrap features three integrated pockets and three gel packs that can be either frozen or heated for use on sore joints. The four in-built straps provide compression and keep the brace securely in place during treatment.
Buy on AmazonIce therapy minimizes the pain and inflammation of knee injuries, as well as conditions such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. Cooling packs work by constricting blood vessels and restricting blood flow to numb the injured area. Take a look at our list of the best cold therapy knee wraps and speed up your recovery.
For more severe knee pain, consider using an ice therapy machine.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice:
Vive
Knee Ice Pack Wrap
Top Performance
Shock Doctor
Ice Pack Recovery Wrap
Can’t Count Out
Ubertherm
Knee Pain Relief Cold Wrap
7 Best Ice Packs for Knees
| Product | Brand | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knee Ice Pack Wrap | Vive | One size | Men and Women |  |
| Ice Pack Recovery Wrap | Shock Doctor | Two sizes | Men and Women | |
| Knee Pain Relief Cold Wrap | Ubertherm | One sizes | Men and Women | |
| Cold Therapy Knee Wrap | O2 | One size | Men and Women | |
| Knee Hot and Cold Compression Support | AW ACTIVEWRAP | Two size | Men and Women | |
| Knee Ice Pack with Wrap | ComfiLife | One size | Men and Women | |
| Knee Ice Pack Soft Brace | Cold One | One size | Men and Women | |
Best Choice: Knee Ice Pack Wrap by Vive
Buy on AmazonThis soft neoprene blend knee brace comes with two front pockets and one back pocket, as well as three removable gel packs for hot or cold therapy.
Simply freeze or microwave the packs and slip them into the pockets for targeted pain relief. The brace is held in place with fours adjustable compression straps and can be worn on either the right or left knee.
Main Features
- 3 in-built pockets and 3 gel packs
- Hot or cold therapy
- Made from a breathable neoprene blend
- Targets the front and back of the knee
- Adjustable compression
Pros:
- Gel packs remain flexible when frozen
- Latex-free and non-toxic
- Machine-washable
- 60-day unconditional guarantee
Cons:
- Only comes in one size
Top Performance: Ice Pack Recovery Wrap by Shock Doctor
Featuring 360-degree ice coverage, this hot and cold compression wrap for the knee is made from N-Tex neoprene and a four-way stretch material. It comes with lycra pockets and either three or four reusable gel packs, depending on the selected size. Plus, the adjustable straps with Z-Grip closures deliver a tailored level of compression.
Main Features
- Made from N-Tex neoprene
- 3 or 4 reusable gel packs
- Adjustable straps with Z-Grip closures
- Suitable for cold or hot therapy
- Easy-access lycra pockets
Pros:
- Customizable compression
- Comes in 2 sizes
- 350-degree ice coverage
- Reduces swelling, inflammation, and pain
Cons:
- Durability issues
- Some reviewers have found this ice pack too heavy
Can’t Count Out: Knee Pain Relief Cold Wrap by Ubertherm
Designed to provide safe and smooth therapy by never cooling below one degree Celsius, this knee wrap features in-built gel chambers that keep the brace cold for up to an hour. Plus, it is made from high-grade neoprene and features adjustable Velcro closures for maximum comfort and support.
Main Features
- Multiple gel chambers
- Stays cold for up to an hour
- Made from high-grade neoprene
- Adjustable fit
- One-size-fits-all
Pros:
- Flexible design
- Doesn’t go below 1 degree Celsius
- Targeted cold therapy
- Highly durable
Cons:
- Only delivers cold therapy
- This brace is on the bulkier side
The Other Ice Packs for Knee We Reviewed
Cold Therapy Knee Wrap by O2
This open patella therapy wrap delivers both ice and compression to numb pain and reduce inflammation. Made from a high-quality material, the one-size-fits most wrap comes with removable gel cold packs and an in-built air pump.
Plus it can be worn either over or under clothes. Unfortunately, some users have reported that this wrap does not hold air for long enough to offer adequate compression.
Buy on Amazon
Knee Hot and Cold Compression Support by AW ACTIVEWRAP
Designed by physical therapy professionals, this hot and cold therapy knee wrap features two reusable gel packs that can be frozen or heated to reduce pain and inflammation. It also comes with integrated wrap-around compression straps for targeted treatment.
On the downside, some reviewers have complained of a lingering chemical smell when they first received this brace.
Buy on Amazon
Knee Ice Pack With Wrap by ComfiLife
Suitable for both the knees and elbows, this versatile wrap can be used for up to 30 minutes of ice or heat therapy. The open patella device is both flexible and comfortable, and comes with adjustable straps to fit both large and small individuals.
It is lucky that this product is backed by a lifetime money back or replacement guarantee, as some reviewers have reported that it does not stay in place.
Buy on Amazon
Knee Ice Pack Soft Brace by Cold One
Manufactured in the USA, this one-size-fits all wrap around knee ice pack freezes in less than 90 minutes to deliver 360-degree cold therapy. Plus, it features multiple straps that can be adjusted for a customizes fit and level of compression.
Unfortunately, this ice pack is not as flexible as some other cold braces, with some users reporting that it failed mold to the contour of their knee.
Buy on AmazonHow to Use the Best Ice Pack for Knees
Knee ice pack braces should be applied for the first 72 hours after an injury or surgery to reduce pain and swelling. Apply the pack for around 20 minutes three or four times a day. Keep in mind that it is best to take at least a 20-minute breaks before reapplying the pack. If you are using a frozen bag of peas, be sure to place a barrier such as a towel between the bag and your skin to prevent irritation.
A hinged knee brace can help speed up recovery and protect vulnerable joints.
Taking Advantage of Your Ice Pack for Knee
From targeted pain relief to post-surgical rehabilitation, the best ice pack for knee can be a life saver. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your knee ice pack brace.
When to Use Cold Therapy
Cold compression therapy eases pain, swelling, and bruising by constricting blood vessels. As such, icing can be used to alleviate the discomfort caused by injuries such as sprains and strains, surgery, or conditions such as osteoarthritis or tendonitis.
The reduction in blood flow also lets your muscles recover faster after strenuous workouts. Never use cold therapy before exercise, if you suffer from stiff muscles or joints, or if you have an open wounds or a blister.
Is Heat or Ice Better for Knee Pain?
If your knee is both sore and swollen, it is best to use cold therapy to numb it and restrict blood flow to the area. Heat therapy, on the other hand, warms up the knee muscles and relaxes stiff joints, making it ideal before exercise and for those who find it hard to get moving in the morning. Heat therapy can also alleviate muscle spasms.
What is Alternating Hot and Cold Therapy?
Many people have heard about alternating hot and cold therapy, but they are unsure of when and how to use it. Hot and cold therapy is most often used to alleviate muscle pain or the discomfort of an osteoarthritic knee.
Applying a heat pack to your knee prior to exercise warms up the joints to get them ready for a workout while using an ice pack on the same area a few hours later can accelerate muscle recovery after strenuous activity.
In the same way, heat therapy can relax an osteoarthritic knee in the morning to get it ready for the day’s activities while cold therapy can be used later during the day to reduce inflammation of the same area.
Weighing All the Factors
If you are looking for the best ice pack for knee, Vive’s knee ice pack wrap is a worthwhile investment. Made from breathable neoprene, this versatile hot and cold compression brace comes with three integrated pockets and three removable gel packs that target the entire knee.
The other top contenders are Shock Doctor’s ice pack recovery wrap and Ubertherm’s knee pain relief cold wrap, both of which come with their own strengths. Take a look at our list of the best knee ice pack braces, and get back to pain-free living.
Best Choice - Knee Ice Pack Wrap by Vive
Made from soft neoprene, Vive’s knee ice pack wrap features three integrated pockets and three gel packs that can be either frozen or heated for use on sore joints. The four in-built straps provide compression and keep the brace securely in place during treatment.
Buy on Amazon