Can’t Take Your Ring Off? Ways to Deal with Swollen Fingers
When a ring gets stuck on your finger for any reason, you probably felt a moment of panic. Most of the time, you can get the ring off using cold water and liquid dish soap, but that doesn’t usually resolve the swelling problem. That, too, should be addressed. Here are a few suggestions:
Dandelion Root:
This root can have a diuretic effect, and can reduce swelling caused by water retention. Other herbs and products may have the same effect to some degree or another. Parsley, green tea and coffee are a few.
Elevate:
Most of the time, our hands are below the level of our heart. This can cause swelling due to the effects of gravity. having your hands at heart level or above can help reduce the effect. If you also have swollen ankles, prop them up as well.
Ice:
This can work on many of the causes for inflamed hands and wrists. Whether it’s a sprain, arthritis or gravity, the cold can help reduce it fast. Don’t leave it on for more than twenty minutes, and make sure it doesn’t directly touch your skin, as it can cause burns and frostbite.
Rest:
We use our hands all day long. At work, on the computer, doing housework. All this usage is hard on the joints, and can cause swelling. It’s a good idea to let them remain idle for a little while.
Willow Bark:
If you don’t care for medications, you may want to try willow bark. You can use it internally as well as externally. However, if you’re allergic to aspirin, have gout or you’re on an aspirin regimen, you’ll want to skip it. It has the same active ingredient as aspirin.
There are times when the swelling in your hands can signal a serious medical condition. Heart disease, kidney problems and repetitive use injuries should all be seen and diagnosed by your doctor. It’s a good idea, if you don’t know for certain what is causing the inflammation, to have him or her check you over to make sure what the problem is.
If you have any medical conditions or take any medications, you’ll also need to speak to your doctor. The herbs mentioned can have side effects and drug/herb interactions that could make your condition worse. This article is not a replacement for your physician and is for information purposes only. That way, you can remain healthy.
The Author:
Mary Bodel has been a master herbalist since 2004 although my training began long before I reached that level. I believe that health encompasses more than taking care of our bodies. It involves everything from what we eat to what we read. It involves our spirit as well as our body.
