Heating Pad

I didn’t want to worry about the converter issue for a heating pad and so I purchased a European one and bring that with me.

You can find them easily on Amazon.

On a previous trip, I assumed I could find one to buy in Paris and, despite my searching, I never found one.

As Valerie alluded to, electrical issues are very much ....an issue. You CAN NOT use any device rated only at 110v in Europe. You'll not only fry the device, but will knock out the power and possibly cause wiring damage or worse. You need either one that is dual voltage or one rated at 220v. Plus a European adaptor.

Or go old school. If you are staying in apartments, consider one of those 'magic bags' that you heat in a microwave. Or go really old school and just use a hot water bottle.

I have done two long trips to Europe in the last six months and my heat pad has been essential. I have arthritis in my spine, hip and knees and heat helps the pain.

Mine is a 240V Breville one bought in Australia so I just need an adapter for the European power outlets. It’s 24” x 12” which is just big enough for my knee, hip or lower back.

Get a pack of these and take them with you: https://www.amazon.com/ThermaCare-Portable-Heating-Patches-Multi-Purpose/dp/B09LHW6966/ref=asc_df_B09LHW6966/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=563688529845&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12757219148204218710&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1024429&hvtargid=pla-1597612633110&psc=1

I have used them here at home usually for overnight to help me sleep. I have arthritis in my one knee and sometimes it's hard to sleep, even when taking a pain reliever.

The Therma-Care patches are good. I usually have a couple tucked in my suitcase. Nice to be able to take the heat with you.

But they are a one-use thing and then get thrown away.

They also make reusable gel-packs that can be put in the freezer or the microwave. The gel would probably be a TSA issue if in your carry-on. One cold gel-pack I've used comes with some sort of bladder inside that you break for the first use and the pack gets cold. Then you can re-use it by freezing it.

@khansen, thanks! I've never used the thermal patches, but I just got some on Amazon. Good to know they work. Odd thing about my knees, sometime heat feels good and sometimes it actually feels painful. I got generic patches which weren't terribly expensive so I can just toss if it turns out to not be what I need on a given day. I do have a plan for ice packs which I used on a previous trip. I'll bring about 4 washclothes with ziplocks, because I probably forget some. I'll get the washcloth wet and give to the host to freeze.

You can buy a "European" 240 volt heating pad at Amazon's US store.
I pack this one when I travel across the pond:
https://tinyurl.com/mrdkd6t9

Are we talking carry on here?

Yes, carry on. At least for outbound.

I’ve decided to go with the thermacare type pads, along with ice, Voltaren and a cane if it comes to that.

My knees have improved quite a bit since I posted this. I’ve been doing ice and Voltaren. I know it’s likely temporary, so I wanted to be prepared, especially with the hills of Portugal, but I’m feeling pretty positive.

I appreciate everyone’s very thoughtful responses.

Has anyone had trouble carrying the Thermacare heat wraps in your carry on luggage? I use them often but was worried about TSA not allowing them in a carry on for some reason so was hesitant about bring them on my up coming flight. They would feel wonderful on my back when on my 10 hour flight.

@Kathleen, Oh, gosh, I hope Thermacare is allowed in carry on luggage. Why do you think it may not be?

gels are considered a form of liquid at security. That's a general statement, perhaps strictly enforced or perhaps completely ignored.

@Nigel, didn’t notice that there was gel in them. Will have to take a second look

I purchased "Hotteeze" heat pads on Amazon. People seem to love them. I contacted the manufacturer and they do not contain a gel, I also found out they can go right in the garden after use!

Several years ago I purchased a heating pad at a pharmacy in central Paris. We take it with us on each trip to Europe.

@jules m I just googled this topic and found that TSA does allow the Thermacare heat wraps in both your carry on and in your checked luggage. I didn't want to have them thrown away my TSA as they are really expensive so I am now going to be packing them without worrying about it however it sounds like you should wait to put them on until you are past the TSA checkpoint.

@Kathleen, thanks for your research. I agree, I wouldn't want to bring the pads and have them confiscated. It sounds like I'll bring fewer than I thought, however. My orthopedists suggests the heat pads for my flights and ice packs after every day of walking.

Sounds like you have decided against the heating pad, but if you change your mind, this is the one my sister uses. This comes with a European plug, so no need for any adapters. It has worked with no problems in Switzerland, Italy, and Austria.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MCTV34Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you also experience leg swelling, compression socks help. You can get thigh-high ones on Amazon so they will stay up over your knees.

Here's a DIY option for you (and let me know if you need that cane!):
https://www.google.com/search?q=diy+heating+pad&oq=diy+heating+pad&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i512l9.10869j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

The sock filled with rice is a great idea IF you have access to a microwave to heat it.

Nancy, great idea! I especially like the wet washcloth in the ziplock. I have made they rice packs. Thank you for the cane offer. I did buy my own. It's not as pretty as yours, and I'm hoping to not need it! Though right now, Lisbon and Porto are looking as hilly as San Francisco.

@Carrie, I think that heating pad is worth looking into. Thank you.

@khanson, yes, I'm a fan of compression socks. I do have knee high ones and also compression knee sleeves. At some point the thigh high ones may simplify things.

Two years ago I had a freak accident which lead to leg and knee issues. As a motivator for all the PT and medical issues involved, I booked a trip to Europe last year. A heating pad, my PT straps and zip lock bags for DIY ice packs were essential. I took the "Pure Enrichment PureRelief with 6 Heat Settings and Auto Shut-off XXL Extra Wide Heating Pad - 20"x24"- Charcoal Gray" along with a travel plug kit and had no problems, I bought it at Target. I brought a separate tote bag for these items which did not count toward my carry-on limit because they were considered medical. I took multiple flights and no one hassled me because of the extra bag. I did carry-on only so I had my roller bag, backpack and the tote bag tied to my roller bag. I was glad I had the heating pad on the plane because I could plug it in for the long flight.

The only time I had any issue were where some hotels would only give me a very small amount of ice (like 4 cubes) because ice just isn't as popular in some cities like in the U.S.

I am going to Spain in May and the same set-up with be coming along with me with the addition of an adjustable cane. Looking forward to having surgery in the fall so I don't have to use those items on future trips.

Good luck and just remember to take it easy when you need to. I was lucky that my travel partner would suggest a taxi when she thought I was overdoing it.

Ok, wow, I never thought about the fact that a heating pad could be plugged in during a flight. That is a game changer. How fast do you suppose I can get it from Amazon! In terms of extra allowance for TSA, if I put Voltaren in my TSA ziplock, I can't get everything in. I've decided to put the Voltaren in a second bag perhaps with the thermacare type pads and hoping it will be considered as a needed for medical reasons.

The heating pad I suggested is in stock at Target. I bet you could find it through Amazon. I like that particular heating pad because the size of the pad works well in letting me wrap it around my knee or leg. Plus it feels nice. It was a lifesaver on the flight over because the plane got really cold and my heating pad kept me nice and comfortable. I also like the model I suggested because you can turn off the automatic off which was good for sleeping.

If you can get it, maybe get a note from your doctor for the cream you mentioned and the other pads. Again, no one ever hassled me about my set-up but having the note could be a good backup.

Above post by sana.mantis reported