Sounds like the beginnings of either Osteo or RA. I have it in both my hands and can't straighten out the fingers on my right hand. Hurts like the devil at times but I take Celebrex which Dr. put me on and it really helps. OTC meds did nothing for me. Hope you get better soon.

My daughter injured her pinky several years ago while playing soccer. The pinky wasn't broken. It took months for it to heal, and it healed in a bent position. Tendons (or is it ligaments)were torn. That doesn't show up on an x-ray. The pinky should have been braced to prevent the bending, and exercised (like PT) to prevent it from 'freezing'. Similar thing might have happened to you.

There are other conditions that can cause pain in fingers besides arthritis, although arthritis is the one we hear most about.

I'll send a few prayers your way!

Have you tried a warm compress? If warmth doesn't help, try ice packs. You could also try a couple ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory pain reliever to see if that helps.

You need to see an Orthopedist. If you can, make it with someone who specializes in hands.

I would return to your doctor and ask him to check your shoulder area. Years ago I injured my shoulder and did not realize it but did complain that my pinky finger was numb. Could not pick up anything such as a cup of coffee without dropping the item.
After many doctors appointments they finally figured that I had some damage in the shoulder (right side and I am right handed too) Anyway, after a long process of theropy (I choose this way instead of surgery that the doctors wanted to preform) all is fine and the best part...no scars from surgery.
Do go back and perhaps a MRI may show something.
Good luck.

Carron, thanks for suggestion. I have noticed when I sew for long periods the right side of my neck has sort of a burning/numbness sensation. In fact, I mentioned to my sig. other today that I was wondering if there is a connection.

Yes, sounds like you did have soft tissue damage and you need some help from a doctor and a hand therapist. Good luck, I hope you feel better soon!

OK folks here it is from a retired Nurse Practitioner:

Go to your own private/personal care physician. [b] Have all your blood work done asap.[/b Based on the testing they will do, like repeat Xrays, and your lab work they may even start you on a medication before you are seen by the rheumatologist. Don't wait. You have a right to having the blood work and all done and then treatment started! And ... keep your records of everything. A spiral bound notebook is great for this as the pages won't fall out easily.

FYI: I had to retire because of the arthritis in my hands, 3 hand/finger surgeries, and the resulting neuropathy. Yes, I am not as speedy as I once was. But, I can still sew and quilt. I just don't do it as long at a time as I used to. I have adapted all my tools, cutting table, and even sewing machine [I had the needle threader removed as it kept hitting my index finger and making it bleed.] I only cut 1-2 layers of fabric at a time. I rotate the different parts of quilting so I usually have at least 3 projects going at once. I bought the computerized component for my HandiQuilter. I jury rigged the side clamps on the HQ so I could work them.

I definitely don't let anyone shake my hands and touch my fingers. I get in there first so they shake my palm. At prayer group time someone on either side holds my wrists.

As I sew less ... well, I read more, walk more, and browse the QB more.

It is all do-able.

ali

Thank you Allie. I am checking with my primary again and will go from there. I too will never give up quilting, I don't care how many adjustments are needed. I have been sewing all day today to finish up a project. Yes, it hurts like the dickens, I just try to ignore it and I am getting good at doing some things left handed.

Did something similar... fell on right arm... no x-ray because of no ins. a YEAR later, I went to the chiropractor and he said I had jammed my finger as well as my elbow... put them back in place and have had little problem... finger still locks and is painful but he did say because of waiting so long, arthritis had set in :(