Ring Stuck on a Swollen Finger?
Rings get stuck. It happens. Here's two ways to remove a stuck ring.
Finger Trauma
This kind of swelling needs to be dealt with immediately.
1. Hold your hand above your head right now. Gravity will help, to a small degree, to slow the swelling.
2. Find some thin elastic, string, dental floss, or something like that. If someone can do this for you, hold some ice or an ice pack with your hand still above your head. Cold will also slow the swelling.
3. Watch this video to see how to use the elastic or string to get the ring off your finger. Actual instructions begin at 1:50
4. If the ring stays stuck, go to the emergency room ASAP. The longer you wait, the worse it will be for you.
When Your Fingers are Just Puffy
I saw this all the time when I worked in a seaside resort. Fingers tend to puff up after enjoying so much sunshine, seafood, and cocktails. Simply playing hard out in the heat can do it, too.
1. Hold your hand above your head for a quarter of a minute, or so.
2. Gently try to work the ring off of your finger.
Still stuck?
3. Run your hand under cold water for a few moments.
4. While your hand is still wet, apply soap. The liquid kinds work best.
5. Twist the ring to work the soap under the band. Gently pull the ring off while continuing to twist.
