Splinting my own finger....good or bad?

In my previous post I said that my left point finger in the knuckle joint (inside of the hand) is very swollen and extremely tender. I have had issues with this for a long time. I plan on calling my primary on Monday but in the meantime, if I splint it myself - will I be causing it more harm then good? The reason I ask is because I splinted it myself not too long ago and the constant pain is down to a dull roar now. Perhaps because I stablized the joint? But I am not sure if I should be doing this myself. I have a soft straight finger brace (like you would use for a broken or sprained finger) on the bottom with flexible self sticking tape to hold it in place.

Splint away gal! You will not cause more harm. It will give the joint a rest, thereby lessening the pain and swelling. As you move the already inflamed joint, it causes continuing irritation. Rest will improve it.

Sherry, short-term splinting just rests your finger joints and tendons. If you were to splint it for months, you might have a finger that wouldn't flex, but for short-term it's a good way to relieve pain.