How to Get a Ring Off a Swollen Knuckle

Don't try to force a ring off your swollen knuckle; this only causes more swelling and may be painful as well. Instead, take a deep breath, and try to relax. There are various methods to remove the ring without damaging your finger or knuckle.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack or frozen vegetables
• Soap
• Vegetable oil

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Reduce the swelling in your knuckle. Apply a bag of frozen vegetables or an ice pack to your knuckle for 10 minutes to reduce the swelling. Then slide the ring off the finger.

• 2

  Use soapy water to loosen the ring. Pour a couple drops of dish soap in a cup of water, and stir it. Dip your ring finger in the soapy water for a few seconds, then rub the ring with your fingers to distribute the soapy liquid. Try to twist the ring from left to right as you gently push it up. The combination of the soapy water and twisting action may loosen the ring so that you can slide it off your knuckle.

• 3

  Apply vegetable oil to the ring and finger. Pour a drop of oil onto the ring and the finger, and rub it in. Twist the ring, and gently push it up over the knuckle.

• 4

  Ask a jeweler to cut the ring off, if you cannot remove the ring any other way. The jeweler cuts the ring in half with a small saw made specifically for jewelry, then uses a pair of pliers to gently pull it off your finger.