Jimmyt, it doesn't seem to be trigger finger- I've seen that on other people and my experience is very different. I have control over the finger- except I can't quite straighten it out and I can't quite close it in a fist. The tenderness on the palm extends to about 1 1/4th inch away from the finger. The joint closest to the hand is somewhat swollen.

I've been trying to establish whether the ring finger has the most work to do when playing. It kind of appears that way. It extends, goes on a diagonal, curls into a 'spider' stance (thanks for that image, Amos!)in a lot of different chords; does any other finger do all that?

Foolstroupe, I'm not ignoring what you're saying or taking it lightly- but it is Saturday night and I'm sitting at home. Rather dismayed, in fact. A friend is going to stop by the dance and tell the band that I don't particularly like playing for dances and I'm sitting at home with a drink.... Both true- but irrelevant:)