How to Remove a Ring Stuck on Your Finger
It can be hard not to panic when a ring gets stuck on your finger. The good news is that there are many home remedies to remove it. An unmovable ring is a common occurrence that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Here’s why it happens, how to remove it, and how to avoid a recurrence.
Why Do Rings Get Stuck?
All types of rings, including men’s wedding bands, engagement rings, and simple infinity rings, have the potential to get stuck when the weather warms up. When it’s hot out, your body temperature rises and your blood vessels dilate, which can cause a slight swelling in your fingers. If you have a ring stuck on a swollen finger, you should be able to remove it by reducing the swelling.
Sometimes your finger size might change for other reasons, which can cause a ring to get stuck on your finger for years. For example, if you gain weight or develop arthritis after putting the ring on. Another reason fingers swell and rings get stuck is fluid retention. You may be retaining excess fluids if you eat a diet high in salt, but it can also indicate an underlying condition.
How to Remove a Ring Stuck on Your Finger
Lubrication
One of the most common ways to remove a wedding ring that’s stuck on your finger is lubrication. Apply a liberal amount of Windex, soap, lotion, oil, or petroleum jelly to the swollen finger — don’t worry, you can clean your ring afterward!
Dental Floss
The wrap method can also help you remove a ring that’s stuck on your finger. First, slip a piece of dental floss or sewing thread under the ring, leaving a “tail” of about two inches. Then, continue to tightly wrap your finger and knuckle, starting right above the ring, compressing the skin as you go. Once you’ve wrapped your finger securely, start unraveling the wrap from the tail end you tucked under the ring.
Elevate Your Hand
Wondering how to remove a stuck ring from your finger without damaging the ring? Try reducing the swelling first. Resting your hand on your head for five to 10 minutes helps drain excess fluids away from the fingers and bring down swelling. Holding some ice in your hand can speed up the process.
Ice Cubes and Cold Water
If your engagement ring is stuck on your finger, soaking your hand in ice water could help you get it off. Submerge your entire hand in the water and hold it there for as long as you can. The cold water will gently reduce blood flow to the area and lessen the swelling. You may have to repeat the process a few times before the ring comes off.
Ring Stuck on Your Finger? Here’s When to Go to the Hospital
There may be a time when you need to remove a ring that’s stuck on your finger at the hospital. If you are experiencing severe pain and/or skin discoloration, it may be a sign of an infection, injury, or allergic reaction that requires medical treatment.
Leaving a ring stuck on a swollen finger can be dangerous because it restricts blood circulation. Always seek medical help if you cannot remove it safely at home.
The hospital staff may have to cut the ring off your finger, but don’t despair! You can usually take it for professional repair, which jewelry insurance typically covers.
How to Prevent Rings From Getting Stuck in the Future
The best way to prevent a ring from getting stuck on your finger again is to have it resized. Professional ring resizing leaves no noticeable lines or marks on your jewelry and makes it more comfortable to wear. You can resize virtually all types of wedding rings or even add an adjustable section that opens and closes for easier removal.
We hope our guide helped you learn how to remove the ring that was stuck on your finger. Contact JPratt Designs for professional ring resizing in Dallas should you require a better fit.