Remove toe rings immediately after a foot fracture, because it is difficult to remove the ring if the toe becomes swollen. Sometimes, the toe becomes so swollen that the ring must be removed with a ring cutter. The following will help you remove a toe ring from a swollen toe.

Ring Removal

• Elevate the toe above the heart and apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes.
• This helps reduce swelling.
• Lubricate the ring:
• Apply soapy water to the ring.
• Ask another person to pull the skin tightly away from the ring, and then try to twist the ring off gently.
• Stop if this causes pain or skin damage.
• If this does not work, loop a piece of thin string or ribbon under the ring on both sides of the toe. Ask another person to grab the ends of both strings. Have the person pull equally on the ends of each string, while you gently twist the ring.

Reducing Toe Swelling
In order to reduce toe swelling, you may wrap a wide rubber band around the toe. Start at the tip of the toe and wrap towards the ring. Overlap the edges of the rubber band as you wrap the toe. After 5 minutes, remove the rubber band and try to remove the ring.

Do not wrap the toe with a rubber band if:

• You have toe pain
• You are over 60 years old.
• You have diabetes.
• You have peripheral vascular disease.

Seek medical care immediately for:

• You are unable to remove the ring
• Severe toe pain
• Pale toe
• Blue toe
• Toe numbness