How to Get Ring Off Finger That Is Swollen – 3 Easy and Safe Ways

Introduction: Deep Breath, You’ve Got This

Not being able to take that ring off is the worst thing ever. Your finger puffs up, the piece doesn’t want to let go, and you start to panic.

One of the best pieces of advice you can ever get is that you should not attempt pulling. Tugging at a tightened finger adds an additional stretch to it, making the problem even worse.

So, how to get ring off finger that is swollen? The goal is simple: reduce the swelling and increase ring mobility.  Follow the tips below, and you will be able to deal with this kind of problem at home easily.

Phase 1: The “Cool Down” (Gravity & Temperature)

To alleviate the swelling, start with the fundamentals. A swollen finger indicates that you are holding excess blood and fluid within that area, and so it is time to allow these fluids to be released.

Hold Your Hand Up High

For 10 to 15 minutes, hold your arm and fingers (pointing to the ceiling) up above your heart. While this may seem too easy, allowing gravity to do the work will allow excess blood and fluid to flow out of your swollen finger and back down to your body. Some people prefer to rest their elbow on a tabletop and point their finger(s) toward the ceiling, while others prefer to keep their arm vertical while they are sitting on the couch.

The Cold Water Method

Fill a bowl with cold water (not ice water, just cool tap water), and immerse your entire hand in it for 10 to 15 minutes. Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which helps to reduce the size of the finger enough to allow for more space to move the ring. You may add ice cubes if desired; however, avoid making your hand an icy block.

Furthermore, after the ice bath, attempt to rotate your ring gently to check it out before attempting to pull it.

Phase 2: Lubrication (The Slip ‘n Slide)

You’ll want to use one of the following options that likely live at your home for lubrication, as they all provide very good lubricity:

• Dishwasher detergent – Effectively cuts grease, which is why it works so well
• Windex – A trick many jewelers use; ammonia assists in this
• Vaseline – This provides the most lubricity but takes more time work in.
• Vegetable or Olive Oil – either works just fine.

How to Use the Lubricant

Please do not squirt the lubricant onto the top of the ring. You will need to work the amount of lubricant into the area where the ring is in contact with the skin.

With your finger, you will slowly twist the ring back and forth. You should repeat this process for several minutes, which is necessary for the lubricant to enter into the ring through the area where the band is secured to your skin.

Next, you will want to attempt to slide the ring towards your knuckle. Please make slow movements when doing this. If you begin to feel pain, you will want to stop and apply more lubricant. The twisting motion of the ring and the sliding motion of the ring should occur at the same time. You should not pull straight on the ring.

Consider it to be unscrewing a very tight lid off of a jar. This method works well for most stuck rings, particularly when you have performed the cooling procedure first.

Phase 3: The “String Trick” (Advanced Move)

This method looks weird, but it really works. You’ll need dental floss or a thin piece of string about 2 feet long.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Slide one end of the floss under the ring. Then push it through from the palmar side to the dorsal side of the fingernail. You may need to use the Phase 2 lubricant to get it underneath there.

Take the long end of the thread (the end of the finger) and tightly wrap it around the finger. The winding should start from the edge of the ring toward the nail. The winding must be clasped with no gaps in between. Wrap it past your knuckle.

1. The wrapping squeezes your finger and makes it smaller. Now grab the short end of the floss (the part under the ring) and slowly unwind it. As you unwind, the ring moves up and over the wrapped part.
2. The ring slides over your knuckle because the floss compressed all the swollen tissue.
3. The tightness of the wrap will press your finger skinny. Now take hold of the short end of the floss (the side underneath the ring) and start to unwrap it. As you unwind, the ring will move up and over the wrap.

That requires practice. If it is found, try to watch a video. The first time you attempt it may not be a good execution, yet that is okay, as you can unwrap it and try again.

When to Call for Professional Help

If you notice any of the following symptoms, ask a healthcare provider for help. Do not delay in seeking out a professional; you could take an unnecessary risk and cause permanent damage.

Signs to Note:

• Your finger has turned blue or purple.
• You have a lack of feeling in your fingertips.
• The sensation of pain is hard to explain; it goes from bad to worse.
• You have not been able to remove the ring for more than one hour.
• The skin around the ring is breaking or already bleeding.

The Best Place to Go:

As soon as possible, call your local jeweler. Jewelers are equipped with specially designed ring cutters for cutting through gold, silver, platinum, and stainless steel rings within a matter of seconds. Many jewelers charge little to nothing to perform this service. Once they have removed the ring, they will typically fix the ring for free or for a moderate fee.

If the jeweler is closed, or your finger looks terribly swollen, you should go immediately to the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic. Medical professionals have specialty tools that can cut rings and treat injuries caused by them.

Conclusion

After you take off the ring, your finger needs treatment. Clean it with mild soap and water. Apply lotion or aloe vera gel. It’s normal if you see a red line where the rhyming ring used to be; it should be gone in a few hours.

Take off your rings before going to bed, before you exercise, and on hot days to prevent this from happening. Your fingers swell when you first wake up and when you work out.

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