Every morning when I wake up, my left finger (next to pinkie) is bent and sore. It takes me a while to straighten it out. Feels stiff and occasionally "locks" up. Is this a sign of arthritis?

Most definitely yes. This is one of the first signs of Rheomatoid Arthritis. The finger joints are probably swollen as well and hurt.

My joints are not swollen. Look the same as always. But bent every morning. Will check later with doctor. Yikes! I hate the thought of having arthritis. Thanks for your response.

Just wondered how is your finger during the day?

Does it start feeling better after a while?

Could it be the way your hold your finger at night?

Do you have it tucked into your palm all night?

Either way.I would go with twinks advice and see the doctor.

Hello p:

I don't know WHAT you're doing with that finger while you sleep, but STOP it.

excon

It is bent first thing in morning and gets better after a while. Rest of the day it's okay. Don't know what I'm doing with it while I sleep! Don't think I'm doing anything weird! Ha ha
Well, I looked up rheumatoid arthritis and that scared me to death! It sounds really serious. I hope I don't have that. Anyway, will make an appt. with doc. Later. Thanks.