Mild / Joint pain in left middle finger

Happy New Year Mountain Project People!!!!

So, a couple months ago, I started climbing in the gym versus outdoors and probably ramped up volume and intensity a little too quick.

I woke up last week, and there was a mild pain in my left middle finger at the first knuckle (not the bend at the palm but the next one up). I took 6 days. The pain as diminished, it was maybe a 3 and its down to a 1. It particularly hurts when I am gripping something, and then release.

Any tips on whats going on and how to treat it, would be most appreciated.

My current plan was to start climbing again but go lighter, and especially light on my left hand.

Thanks in advance

Chris