Swollen first knuckle

When I climb hard, especially inside, the first knuckle (i.e. the largest knuckle of the finger or the first one going out from my hand toward the end of the finger) swells up. It also becomes painful to fully close the finger all the way. It sounds as though it is a joint issue, not a pulley issue. This has been plaguing me off and on for about a year. My question is this: (1) Has anybody had a similar problem? (2) How did you deal with it?

Thanks,

Rob

Rob, I have a similar problem on a different finger. But mine is swollen all the time and I can't completely make a fist. Doctor said it was a torn/partially torn ligament. And should get better on its own.

All that said, don't ask for a diagnosis on the Internet. See a doctor.

Yeah you just have to pull it out BEFORE you make the fist.

But in all seriousness, take a break from climbing. The longer you put it off, the more damage you will do to the finger. Take a break.