Whether it’s from weight gain, an injured finger, or due to pregnancy, having a ring stuck on your finger is no fun for anyone. And the worst thing you can do when a stuck ring band on your swollen fingers is to panic and tug on it more! Here are a few ways you can taking ring off swollen finger: -
1. Use soap or lubricants
Putting soap or lubricants may help the stuck ring slide off your finger. To make your finger slippery, try applying other lubricant alternatives like hair conditioner, petroleum jelly, butter, or cooking oil on your finger, and more around the ring. Then, slowly twist the ring off your finger gently.
2. Elevate your arm
With the help of gravity, elevating your arm can help drain blood from your tissues and remove a ring. This helps reduce fluids in your hand, which will reduce any swelling. Hold your arm up for around 10 minutes, then try sliding your ring off.
3. Dip your hand in ice cold water
Another ring removal method you can try is by putting your swollen finger in cold water or ice to reduce swelling and remove your stuck ring. Cold reduces blood flow, but do be careful to not leave the ice water on your finger for too long as it may cause frostbite. Try leaving your swollen finger in cold water for around 15 minutes, then try twisting the jewelry ring off.
If you have tried the above methods but the ring is still stuck on your finger, please seek medical attention immediately. Especially if your finger fails the capillary refill test.
4. Capillary refill test
The capillary refill test is a rapid test that is used for assessing the blood flow. Hold your arm above your heart, then squeeze the tip of your finger until it turns white, and see how long it takes for your ring finger to return to its original color. If it takes longer than 2 seconds, it means that the blood vessels are restricted. Please seek emergency care immediately.
When the ring is off
Clean the area where the ring used to be and tend to injuries (if there are any). Do not put the ring back on. Instead, please bring it to a professional jeweler who will be able to resize it for you.
