I did something (don't know what) to the last knuckle (the one nearest the tip) on the pointer of my right hand months ago. I tried resting it. I tried exercising it. I tried ice. I tried heat. Glucosomine, etc. too. Now I just live with it. Some times I play and it hurts and swells up. Sometimes I play and it gets looser and feels great. Who knows? Guess you gotta suffer to sing the blues.

dw