If you have arthritis or swollen fingers, choose a ring size that passes comfortably over your knuckle, then stop it spinning at the base of the finger with sizing beads, a sizing bar, a spring insert or a hinged shank. Measure both your knuckle and the base of your finger at different times of day, because swelling changes your size from morning to evening and from season to season.
This guide explains why sizing is harder with arthritis or swelling, how to measure, which ring styles and adjustments work best, and what to do when a ring will not come off.
Why Ring Sizing Is Harder With Arthritis or Swollen Fingers
- The knuckle is bigger than the base. Arthritis often enlarges the knuckle joint. A ring that fits the base will not pass the knuckle, and a ring that passes the knuckle spins or slides at the base.
- Your size changes during the day. Many people with arthritis have stiffer, puffier fingers in the morning, while others swell more in the evening or after activity.
- Weather and temperature matter. Heat and humidity make fingers swell, while cold makes them shrink.
- Flare ups come and go. A ring that fits on a good day may be painful during a flare.
- Other causes of swelling include pregnancy, salty food, some medicines, heart or kidney problems and injury. Sudden or painful swelling should always be checked by a doctor.
How to Measure Your Ring Size With Arthritis
- Measure the base of the finger. Wrap a soft tape or a strip of paper around the base and note the length in millimeters. Our guide to measuring ring size with a fabric tape measure shows how.
- Measure around the knuckle. Measure the widest part of the joint the same way.
- Repeat on three different days and at different times, including when your fingers feel most swollen.
- Convert both numbers with our free ring size chart calculator.
- Use the knuckle size as your ring size if the ring has to slide on, and plan an adjustment to fill the gap at the base.
If your knuckle and base are more than about one size apart, a plain ring sized for the knuckle will usually feel loose. That is when the adjustments below help most.
Ring Options for Arthritis and Swollen Knuckles
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing beads | Two small metal beads are added inside the band so a ring sized for the knuckle sits snugly at the base | A modest gap between knuckle and base, and rings that should stay upright |
| Sizing bar | A thin metal bar fitted across the inside of the band narrows it | Rings with a heavy top that tends to tip over |
| Spring insert | A small spring inside the band presses gently on the finger and compresses as the finger swells | Fingers that swell and shrink often |
| Hinged or arthritic shank | The band opens on a hinge, slides on without passing the knuckle, then clicks closed | Large knuckles and severe arthritis |
| Adjustable or open band | An open or expandable design that can be widened slightly | Fashion rings and changing sizes |
| Comfort fit band | A rounded inside edge slides over the knuckle more easily | Wedding bands and plain rings |
| Silicone ring | A soft, stretchy band that gives with swelling | Everyday wear, work and sport |
Sizing beads and bars are usually the simplest and cheapest fixes. Hinged shanks cost more, because they are custom made, but they remove the knuckle problem completely. Learn more about the rounded band style in our guide to comfort fit vs standard fit rings.
Which Rings Can Be Adjusted?
Gold, silver and platinum rings can usually have beads, bars or a hinge added by a jeweler. Tungsten, titanium, ceramic and most eternity bands cannot be altered easily, so choose those only if your size is stable. Read can rings be resized for more on metals and designs, and how to make a ring smaller for quick fixes on a ring that is already loose.
Everyday Tips for Wearing Rings With Swollen Fingers
- Take rings off at the first sign of swelling, before it gets worse.
- Remove rings before bed if your fingers swell overnight or are stiff in the morning.
- Wear rings on a less affected finger or on a chain during flare ups.
- Choose thinner bands. Wide bands of 6 mm or more feel tighter and are harder to get over a knuckle.
- Keep a slightly looser fit rather than a tight one. A ring that spins is safer than one that cuts off circulation.
When a Ring Gets Stuck
Raise your hand, cool the finger and use soap or lotion to ease the ring off. Our guide to loosening a tight ring explains each step. If the finger is numb, very painful, pale, blue or dark, get medical help straight away. Medical staff can remove a ring safely, and a jeweler can usually repair it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ring size should I get if my knuckle is bigger than my finger?
Choose the size that passes over your knuckle comfortably, then ask a jeweler to add sizing beads, a sizing bar or a hinged shank so it does not spin at the base.
Can arthritis change my ring size?
Yes. Arthritis can enlarge the knuckles over time and cause swelling that comes and goes, so your size may differ from year to year and even during the day.
What is an arthritic ring shank?
It is a hinged band that opens so the ring can be put on without sliding over the knuckle, then locks closed around the base of the finger.
Are sizing beads comfortable?
Most people barely notice them. They are small, smooth and sit at the bottom of the band.
Should I wear my ring during a flare up?
It is safer to take it off and wear it on a chain or another finger until the swelling goes down.
Final Thoughts
With arthritis or swollen fingers, the ring has to pass the knuckle but should not spin at the base. Measure both, on several days, size for the knuckle and use beads, a bar, a spring insert or a hinged shank to fill the gap. If swelling is sudden, painful or keeps getting worse, talk to a doctor before forcing any ring on or off.
