The knee is one of the most injury prone joints of the human body. An estimated 6 million people seek medical care for their knees, according to the Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. A heat wrap is an easy, effective method recommended by many health care professionals to treat pain throughout the body, including the knee. Heat reduces aches, stiffness, spasms, and help increase the circulation of blood to the affected area. Heat wraps can be gel, wheat, or even a towel that derive warmth from a microwave, or hot water. Professionally designed wraps are widely available in pharmacies, sporting good stores and other retailers at reasonable prices. Although many heat wraps are available, several makes and models are on the market.
Thermo Skin Thermal Knee
Designed as a 3-piece unit, the Thermal Knee provides support and protection against wear and tear caused from age, genetics or sports. The Thermo Skin will increase the user's skin temperature by several degrees. Runner's knee, Jumper's Knee, Medical Collateral Ligament and other pain-related ailments can benefit from the Thermo Skin, according to the company. The Thermal Knee also provides mild compression, combating swelling. The wrap is available in beige and blue. The Thermo Skin Thermal Knee has an estimated price of $26.95 for 2010.
Captain Sports Multi-Purpose Jumbo Gel Pack with Pouch
Captain Sports says that their washable, multi-purpose gel pack provides hot or cold therapy for up to a half an hour. Sprains, strains, and bruises are the type of injuries that benefit from Captain Sports product. Providing benefits of compression in addition to heat treatment, the reusable large gel pack fits into the mesh pouch, and wraps around the impacted area with the 36-inch elastic wrap. The product secures in place by the Velcro closure. The estimated retail price of the Captain Sports Multi-Purpose Jumbo Gel Pack is $26.95 for 2010.
McDavid Thermal Knee Wrap
The McDavid Thermal Knee Wrap is ideal for knee, as well as other large extremities, according to the company. The Thermal Knee Wrap is made from neoprene, the same material used in wetsuits. The Thermal Knee Wrap contains latex free insulating materials that maintain the desired temperature longer than other manufacturers. McDavid says that the Knee Wrap is designed with safety, comfort, and convenience in mind. The McDavid Thermal Wrap comes only in black, and is one size fits all. The estimated retail price for the Knee Wrap is $21.24 for 2010.
