Winter activities seem to bring with them their own unique sets of aches and pains. Sledding, skiing, ice skating and even a snowball fight with the family can mean that you’re paying for the fun with stiff muscles and sore joints. Take a look at some of our favorite items that will get you through the pain and prepare you for your next winter adventure, whether that be shoveling snow or building a fort with the kids.
1. Aleve Tablets (FSA/HSA Eligible)
Raking leaves, shoveling snow, epic snowball fights with the kids can all leave you sore and stiff the next morning. Aleve tablets provide temporary relief from those aches and pains associated with overexertion. Always a great item to keep on hand.
Review: “ I have been using Aleve for quite a few years now. This is my go-to product when I have headaches such as migraines, back aches etc.
This product works very well, and helps me throughout my day. It does not take long for it to start working, and the outcome is good.
I have tried other products that are supposed to be like this one, but Aleve has always proven to be the better choice for me ” – Amazon Customer
2. Ace Elastic Bandage (FSA/HSA Eligible)
Stock up on these go-to items to help treat sprains, keep ice and heat packs in place and even as an extra support measure for joints when you hit the slopes. These elastic bandages have the added benefit of Velcro closures so you don’t have to worry about pointy clasps or safety pins.
Review: “This is one of the best purchases i have ever made from amazon.com. i have bought a lot of items from amazon and this is one of my most recent but i have an older ace bandage that is almost like new even tho I’ve had it for several years and have worn it as a wrap for my knees often. I bought another brand and found it lacking both in material and construction. please Amazon, keep offering these ace bandages many ppl need them and none other will do— THESE ARE THE BEST and price is not bad either.”- Amazon Customer
3. Blistex Medicated Lip Balm (FSA/HSA Eligible)
Cold, dry, windy weather is torture for sensitive skin areas. Protect your lips from the elements or soothe already chapped lips with this three pack of medicated lip balm. The long-lasting protection even carries an SPF 15 sun protection rating for those sunny days out in the snow.
Review: “I had really bad cracked lips one point of time, it was so bad that blood started coming out and I tried different products to heal it, from over-the-counter stuff like organic honey to basic solutions like Boroline, Vaseline etc. I even tried the Neutrogena one which is exceptionally good and had always helped me with chapped lips earlier but it had gone so bad this time that nothing was being of help and my cousin introduced me to Blistex and it worked like magic. This is the only lip balm I have been using since. It’s the best!”
– Amazon Customer
4. Ankle Support Brace (FSA/HSA Eligible)
Winter can mean ice which means slips, falls and interesting acrobatics. This support brace can help minimize the chance of ankle injury and provide support and relief for those with chronic ankle injury symptoms. The neoprene sleeve has adjustable wraps for a custom fit. Great to keep on hand just in case.
Review: “If you have weak ankles or just need support for your ankles a pair of these can definitely help. They are easy to use and stay in place. They are great to wear all day.”
– Amazon Customer
5. Vermont's Original Bag Balm (FSA/HSA Eligible)
Dry, cracked skin is painful any time of the year but there is something about the winter months that just makes it unbearable. Use this versatile balm to help protect against the weather or help recover from flare ups. Regular use helps keep you skin moisturized and healthy, which means you’re ready to take on any cold winter day.
Review: “Is there anything as great as bag balm? We use it for everything. I’m 57 years old and my grandmother introduced me to this as a child. Chapped lips, etc. no problem if you have this. You won’t be disappointed if you purchase this staple for your First aid kit. I will never be without it, and now have my 30 something year old adult children are hooked on it too. (Diaper rash, etc.)”
– Amazon Customer
6. Ultra-Strength Bengay Relief Patch (FSA/HSA Eligible)
Sore muscles after sledding with the kids or shoveling the walk doesn’t mean you can spend the day lounging on the couch. These relief patches focus pain relieving medication where you need it and stay on you during your daily activities. The patch’s cool to warm effect is just what you need to keep on track.
Review: “My 9-year-old daughter has neck pain from gymnastics. We’ve tried others that either burned her skin or were excruciatingly painful to remove. Thank goodness we found these. They are not like a band aid. It’s like a thick piece for foam or fabric with just enough stick to stay on while moving around, but also soft enough to remove and even reposition without any trouble. And it does relieve her pain.”
– Amazon Customer
7. AUVON Dual Channel TENS EMS Unit (FSA/HSA Eligible)
Similar to units used by physical therapists and doctors for years, this TENS unit provides a save, non-invasive way to help muscles recover from activity and maintain endurance. This unit offers 24 different stimulation modes and is ultra-portable with its USB charger and storage bag. Similar to units used by physical therapists and doctors for years, this TENS unit provides a save, non-invasive way to help muscles recover from activity and maintain endurance. This unit offers 24 different stimulation modes and is ultra-portable with its USB charger and storage bag.
Review: “Great product for joint and pain relief.
Just got em’ a while ago and this thing works wonders! I have occasional knee pains due to early stage of arthritis on both my knees and so far, this helps the muscles and my joints alleviate the pain…hopefully it’ll help on my knee problems. So far so good.
I use to have this TENS/EMS therapy at my PT sessions after a recent knee arthroscopic surgery and it really helped. My PT therapist would use a similar unit after I do my leg and knee exercises. Getting older sucks but we gotta take care of ourselves, especially the joints and pain management. I have arthritis on both knees and it’s been bothering me lately. Besides the exercises, this is a must for your muscle and joint therapy. It’s good and handy and it helps a lot.”– Amazon Customer
8. SunBeam FlexFit Heating Pad Wrap (FSA/HSA Eligible)
Get the heat to where it hurts! This flexible heating pad provides wraparound heat to sore joints and limbs. Three heat settings allow you to dial in the level of comfort needed and the 2-hour shutoff has you covered in case of cozy winter naps.
Review: “This product has been a lifesaver to my calves. I’m a RN, train with a trainer 2x/week and a cyclist, so needless to say, I utilize my feet/legs a TON! This heating wrap is so wonderful to use after a long day of work or working out. Stays in place, comfortable, relaxing and good quality material. Highly recommend.”
– Amazon Customer
9. Daiwa Felicity Foot Massager (FSA/HSA Eligible)
Ice skates and ski boots allow you to do some fun things but they’re not the most comfortable choice in footwear. Coming in from the cold to a heated foot massage is just the thing to rejuvenate you and break the chill. This massager provides heat and massage therapy to sore feet, calves, thighs and hands. Comes with a convenient remote control so all you need to do is sit down and relax.
Review: “Let me start by saying that their customer service is one of the best. They work hard, respond fast to keep their customers satisfied.
I couldn’t be any happier with this foot massager. There are not many out there like this one. The vibration is very therapeutic and with the infrared gives it a plus. I highly recommend this product to anyone.”– Amazon Customer
10. EVERLIT 250 Piece Survival First Aid Kit (FSA/HSA Eligible)
Accidents happen just about everywhere. This extensive first aid kit is easy to keep in the car, snowmobile or backpack. This particular kit is suited well to the outdoors including some items that normal first aid kits do not provide like a thermal blanket and flashlight. Add an additional piece of mind if your winter adventures take you to the great outdoors.
Review: “When it comes to first aid kit, I prefer to spend on a more quality kit than a 300 pcs kit that has 150 cotton swabs. This kit covers nearly all emergency medical situations I might encounter. The size is perfect to carry, and the molle strap is just brilliant. The bag also leaves a little room for your own improvement. In sum, everything was carefully packed inside of the bag, and the overall quality is superb. Assembly the kit by myself would cost double the price, great purchase!”
– Amazon Customer
