Rings can become stuck for all sorts of reasons. Usually, trauma to the finger or slow weight gain over time is the culprit. In many cases, the application of patience and a few tricks can remove a stuck ring, although you may have to cut a ring off. If you do need to cut a stuck ring, try to go to a jeweler, who can use specialized tools.

None of the following ring removal tricks should be used if you suspect that the finger is broken, as you may cause serious damage to your finger. If your finger starts to turn numb or tingly during the process, or demonstrates other signs of limited circulation, stop and have the ring cut off. A jeweler will often be able to repair and resize a stuck ring for you if it is cut off.

If your hand is involved in an accident, remove any rings immediately. Rapidly swelling fingers can trap rings on your fingers, and hospital staff usually prefer to cut rings off, rather than trying to remove them intact. Swollen knuckles, especially, can take a long time to shrink back down, and you will feel more comfortable without a ring on while your hand heals.

The first step in removing a stuck ring is bringing the swelling down. Drink lots of water, and try to limit your intake of salt. Since hands are often more swollen in the morning, plan on plunging into the project in the afternoon. Keep your hand elevated above your heart as much as possible to bring the swelling down, and right before you start, soak your hand in cold water or an ice bath.

Often, bringing the swelling down will allow a stuck ring to slide off, but lubrication helps. Moisturizing cream, petroleum jelly, cooking oils like butter, and soap all make excellent lubricants. Some jewelers also recommend hemorrhoid cream, since it is intended to reduce inflammation. Do not be afraid to thoroughly slather your finger and the stuck ring. Gently twist the ring from side to side as you pull it along the length of your finger, and do not tug. You may feel some pressure as the ring slides over the knuckle, but be patient and persistent.

If this attempt is unsuccessful, there are a few other tricks in the book. Some people highly recommend window cleaners such as Windex®, which may reduce the swelling while lubricating the ring. In addition, a window cleaner will not leave residue on the ring or stone. You can also try using tape or dental floss, although this method requires extreme care.

With dental floss, try to slide one end through the ring towards your hand, and then start wrapping the other end around the finger, sliding the stuck ring up as you go and loosening the dental floss so that it is never wrapped around the finger for more than one minute. Once the ring slides over the knuckle, it should slip off on its own. With tape, tightly tape the finger and slip the ring over the tape.

When you are trying to remove a stuck ring, remember not to force it. Forcing a ring can distort the shape, which will make it even more difficult to remove. Intense pain or pressure suggests that your finger may be too swollen to remove the ring, so take a break or have the ring removed professionally in these cases.