I have RA among many other autoimmune diseases so understand the pain, etc. While waiting for doc appt, use some capzaican, not sure of the spelling but it will be next to sports creme, etc at the drug store. It really helps a lot because its' base is cayenne pepper. This pepper gets into the joints and helps to rid your spot of the pain and helps with the swelling. I have used it for years and believe me, it works. Don't rub a lot or you won't be a happy camper, pepper ya know, lol. Hope all this makes sense to you, spelling brain cells have gone on vacation today, lol. Also, 20 minutes warm, 20 minutes cold switching helps and then there are pain patches at the drug/grocery store that work wonders too. I have tried a lot of things and was lucky to find a few things that work. I even use a bag of frozen corn or peas for the cold compress. Works great. Hope some of this will make life easier for you till your appt.