Last night I developed a sharp shooting pain in my middle finger of my left hand. As it travels down towards my hand the pain subsides to a dull ache. It does not reach my wrist or arm.

I took some tylenol for arthritis (sp?) as it was to painful to sleep and eventually I was able to get to sleep. This morning it hurt a bit in the morning, disappeared and then came back this afternoon.

I am 42 yrs old and used to crack my knuckles. I am assuming that this is likely aching joints or arthritis developing and not something serious like a stroke or heart attack as the pain does not go into my arm.

any thoughts?

thanks