In the beginning the pain was here and there, (like a 2-3 days at a time, then 4-5 days at a time then 7-10 days at a time) then it was more often until it became everyday. The doctors knew I had it before it became everyday pain though. I think they really realized it when my hands felt like they were on fire and then would turn ice cold. That is when they sent me to a pain management doctor. My hands also were very sensitive to touch, they had to desensitize them because anything I touched hurt them, even cotton balls. Since I have been on medication for nerve pain and have had nerve block injections the pain is not as intense but it is still there. I still get the ice cold feelings as well. Hands/fingers still swell and get stiff at different times, nothing really goes away ever, they (symptoms) all just take turns rearing their ugly heads and for how long at a time nobody can say for certain...but it does progress and last longer and longer (for me). It is about time for me to get injections again because the burning, fire feeling is getting more intense again..my last series of 6 injections was back in july. They inject whatever in the front of my neck to get to the root of the nerve stem for my arm, which causes my arm to go numb for a few hours and it is supposed to "calm" the nerves for a while. Some people get great results, some people like me get temporary. I hope this helps you some more, but if not keep asking!!!