When your ring gets stuck on your finger, it’s easy to let the panic set in. But don’t worry; it won’t be there forever! Follow this guide to find out how to remove it safely, and how to prevent it from being too tight in the first place.

Why do rings get stuck?

Our fingers naturally fluctuate in size throughout each day and our lifetime! This is due to several factors, from temporary causes like temperature changes and body hydration levels to longer-lasting reasons like weight gain and pregnancy. When fingers swell, rings can feel uncomfortably or even painfully tight and become impossible to slide off.

When you’re choosing forever jewellery like wedding rings, it’s important to bear in mind the finger’s natural variations and choose a size that can accommodate some swelling. You can measure your ring size at home or in person at your local jeweller. Some basic rules to remember before you go shopping for rings include warming up your hands and hydrating well.

How to remove a tight ring

DIY methods

1. Lubrication

Lubricants such as oil, lotion and dish soap reduce friction between the ring and the finger, enabling the ring to cross the knuckle more easily.

  1. Cover the drain if you’re doing this over the sink.
  2. Elevate your hand for 5-10 minutes to help reduce the swelling.
  3. Apply a generous amount of lubricant, covering the skin around the ring.
  4. Gently twist the ring to move the lubricant beneath.
  5. Continue twisting and pull the ring slowly and steadily upwards.

2. Icing

You can reduce swelling by making the finger colder, by placing it in a bowl of cool water for 5-10 minutes or applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth. Do not cool your finger for more than 20 minutes.

3. Flossing

Floss or string can be used to temporarily shift where the swelling is most significant, creating a path of least resistance up to the knuckle.

  1. Snap off around a metre of floss and thread one end beneath the ring, using a needle or paperclip if the ring is very tight.
  2. Pull most of the floss through, leaving a few inches facing down to the palm.
  3. Using the top half of the floss, wrap your finger between the ring and knuckle, wrapping relatively tightly without cutting off your blood supply. Ideally, place the loops as close together as possible.
  4. Pull the loose end (the short end, facing the palm) gently to start unwinding.
  5. As you slowly move the floss through, the releasing tension should guide the ring up your finger and over the knuckle. From here, it can be easily removed.

When to seek professional help

If the DIY methods are unsuccessful and you have significant swelling or can see discolouration in the finger, you must seek professional help in removing the ring. When pain is severe, it’s best to go straight to A&E; otherwise, you can visit your nearest jeweller and receive assistance from their experts.

Because of the sentimentality attached to rings — not to mention their monetary value — ring cutters are a last-resort removal tool.

Advice