Ebbie,

Sympathy and aspirin are well meaning but you need REST. OK?

Asparin IS an anti-inflammatory, but I meant SERIOUS anti-inflammtories, From the description of your problem, it is not a trivial matter.

Personal Experience Mate!

Your "The pad at the base of the finger" - sounds like bruising from overuse - that is not tendonitius - but you could have an internal blood blister -----> blood clots ------> serious inability to use that finger for ages. this is IN ADDITION to the comments about tendonitius.

Arthritus? Well if there is, then the overuse syndrome has swamped it for the moment...

Give up music - well the guitar at least, sing, play harmonica, the fool, take up bar tending one handed, anything :-) but give that hand some REST - and don't talk to Mrs Palmer on that side of the street either for a while - I said REST!   ;-)

SERIOUSLY, seek competent medical opinion... even if you have to pay for it - the doctor may well tell you to lay off for 3-6 months....

Robin