That sounds terribly painful.  I know that ice usually helps with swelling but I think with arthritis, heat is better for the pain.  Wearing cotton gloves may help, as that will help keep the warmth in without making them too warm.  Are you on an anti-inflammatory yet?  If you can, you may try some ibuprophen.  It depends on how it would work with your other medicines.

My fingers hurt so much. My doctor said he could do x-rays to see if it`s arthritis but by my symptoms I told him he says that`s what it is. Does ice or warmth help? My right middle finger has been the worst the last 3 days. I take Vicodin for my back so it helps a little with my hands but my finger is swollen and I can`t make a fist.