Ring finger arthritis/tendonitis

[Allfurcoatandnoknickers]

I've had swelling, stiffness and pain in my ring finger for a few months. I had to have my wedding ring cut off, then went to the GP as Rheumatoid Arthritis runs in my family. My Rheumatoid factor is 13 but need 15 for a NHS referral, and all other bloods and x-rays ok. She has done a letter for a private referral, which I'm in the process of trying to find someone who understands things such as hypermobility and POTS - both of which I also have.

I've been to see a physio as I've had other tendinitis issues, and he thought it was tendon related but there is some evidence of osteoarthritis in the finger. Going through the menopause is making everything way worse, despite being on HRT...
I've started with shooting pains in the finger and my finger is still very swollen and painful. If I knock it it's agony.
Any thoughts/similar experiences?

I have arthritis in my hands. Thumbs have been operated on but it's now in the knuckles on my fingers. I've not had those tests, didn't need to as it was just bloody obvious!
Is your physio a hand specialist? If not, ask to see the physio/OT who is. I have finger splints now and the difference it makes is huge.

My Dr told me that eventually the joint would go stiff, then become painless 🙄.

This was in response to me asking to have my little finger amputated. The pain is horrible.

Physio - not sure he’s a hand specialist- I’ll see if I can find one.

do you both get the shooting pains?