what to do next?

Last week I had a sudden onset of pain in my left middle finger joint while I was playing a stringed instrument, which is a usual activity for me.  An X-ray showed bone deterioration at that joint so it seems my affliction is rehumatoid arthritis.  I can see a reccomended orthopedic specialist in one month, and my question is should I find a specialist I can see sooner?  In other words, how important is it to start treatment immediatly?  Im just finding out about this disease and hoping that it wont prevent me from playing!

[Niftydorkette]

I always do my own research. Go online to your insurance providers site, do a doc find and reserch the specialists in your area. If there is one that sounds good that can get you in sooner, give them a try. There is never any harm in going to more than one specialist. You may learn something different from each of them or just like one of them better personality wise.

[carolanivey]

Pain in only one joint does not mean you have RA. RA typically manifests with multiple symptoms - pain, swelling, redness and heat in several joints, low grade fever, feeling like you have the flue, skin rash, and more.

My thinking is you may have developed osteo arthritis (the wear and tear kind, not the autoimmune kind I just described) due to repetitive use of the joint. From my understanding it is not unusual for musicians to develop repetitive stress injury, bone spurs and tendon problems over time. I remember reading about Paul Simon having to stop playing guitar for a while because of bone spurs.

Definitely see the orthopedic surgeon that specializes in hand issues. If you're really concerned about RA, see a qualified rheumatologist to be tested. Good luck!! I've had bone spurs in my fingers and I know how much they hurt!