ThermaCare VS. IcyHot

After spending a combined eight hours over a two day period assembling a gas grill single-handedly it was no surprise that my elbows were screaming from the tendinitis I have lived with for years. Normally, I use ThermaCare, but as both elbows required relief, I decided to compare products. I have tried a similar IcyHot product and was dissatisfied. This time I decided to try the IcyHot Medicated Sleeve and compare it to the tried-and-true ThermaCare. I used the IcyHot on my right elbow as that was where the pain was worse, the ThermaCare on my left as a control. I already knew how well it works. If IcyHot could take care of the pain in my right elbow, I just might have to rethink my pain-reliever of choice. At the time of this experiment, the pain level in my left elbow was about a five, the pain level in my right elbow was about a 7.5. I could not extend either arm fully.

IcyHot® is a product of Chattem, Inc., the active ingredient being menthol. When you open the package, the medication is on the outside of the sleeve. Once placed on the appendage (it can be used on arms and legs), it is then rolled on itself so the medication is against the skin. Chattem provides pictures for ease of understanding. This in and of itself is a big improvement over the medication patch I used before. I thought that even though the medication is on the outside, there is a lot of area on the sleeve not containing the medication, so there would be no mess. I was mistaken. I got the menthol medication on my hands which then required washing. I reeked of menthol, and the medication seeped through the sleeve. If the sleeve is worn under clothing, the menthol might stain the garment.

ThermaCare® is a product of Proctor & Gamble. The product contains pellets that are made up of charcoal, table salt, iron, and water. The pellets become active and produce heat when they come in contact with air.