In Hand: (Vanity) middle finger pain (need advice)

For the past two weeks I've noticed some discomfort clasping/clinching my left hand whenever I grip a pole or piece of equipment. When I bend my left, middle finger to the right (towards my thumb) there's discomfort. Sometimes the hand can feel a little stiff in the morning. Arthritis? Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent ...Hand