Hi everyone. Since many of you have asked about if I use ice as a Pain reliever…Here is my insight based on personal experience after undergoing a total knee replacement: Read on….

Since my insurance did not cover the pain med prescription, I relied on aspirin as my only chemical pain reliever. Yes, aspirin after a total knee replacement. I needed additional relief and fast.  Ice to the rescue. It is all-natural, cheap, and convenient. In fact, it can be found in everyone’s freezer.

 I was really surprised  when my tkr doctor mentioned that the best way to alleviate pain was with ice.  Plain and simple.    Tumeric is another choice, but that is another article.

Ice has only two side effects – that I can see.   One is the fact it melts.  Plus, if you are not careful, your skin can freeze if left on too long.  Those two drawbacks aside, it’s great having pain decreased quickly instead of waiting for pills to kick in.

I was given one of those ice bags that you see in movies being used for headaches (or hangovers). They are also given as “take homes” after hospitalization. Look in your local pharmacy for other variety.  It’s not a very big bag.

Other choices include:

• large gel pack.  Store in freezer. These seem to keep cold for about an hour. Nice. Plus, they fit along the back of my knee very nicely.
• battery-operated, 12-hour ice pack.  This is huge and reminds me of a torture contraption. One of my friends lent it to me, but it doesn’t have a battery. Hmm.
• small gel pack. Perfect size for isolated knee areas.
• plastic, Ziploc type bag. Cheap and easy.   Fill with ice, close, and wrap with a towel.  The towel absorbs the melting ice and keeps me dry.
• bag of frozen peas, blueberries, or other similar foods.

Well, my ice has melted. Gotta go.

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AUTHOR NOTE: Booktoots’ Healing helps total knee replacement patients find support throughout recuperation and beyond. Its mission is for patients to understand they are not alone in their ordeal with either a tkr or other health concerns.

This award-winning tkr blogging site is owned and operated by Marie Buckner, a published author, tkr blogger, and tkr patient who has been living with various health conditions for over 40+ years. She enjoys sharing her experiences to help others going through the same thing.

Marie is also a proud WEGO Health Patient Leader. https://www.wegohealth.com.

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