Glad you found something that works. Magnesium gel works very well topically too. Put it in the frig first and it'll be nice and cool when you rub it on your skin.
I make my own 'ice packs' for pain and inflammation. Take a gallon sized FREEZER ziplock and fill with half water and half rubbing alcohol. Make sure air bubbles are out of it and then seal it and put it inside another gallon sized freezer ziplock. Double bagging helps prevent leaks.
Then I use them where I need them and often put a thin cloth between me and the bag, something like a pillow case.