unusual crimping pain?

Hi Björn, I have difficult-to-pinpoint pain in the ring finger of my right hand when crimping.  It might be around the DIP joint, mostly on the backside (dorsal side?) of the finger, by the fingernail.  It does not hurt on an open-handed crimp, but hurts quite a lot when crimping the DIP joint while the hand is mostly closed (MCP and PIP joints are bent further).  I also feel the pain when clenching my fist tightly. I've refrained from climbing for the last 3 weeks, and put my finger in ice cold water for 5 minutes then very hot water for 5 minutes a couple times a day.  The condition has barely gotten any better. There are no bumps or bruises and no visual swelling.  I feel no pain during normal activity like typing or opening doors. What might this be?  Is there anything else I should do to recover?  How long should I expect full recovery to take?  Do you think it is ok for me to climb easier routes with no crimps?