What Causes Stiffness In Finger Joints?

For almost 3 months now, I have been unable to make a fist on my right hand. My four fingers do not bend at the joint closest to the palm. I have seen a rheumatologist who has ordered lab tests, but because he is the only dr in his specialty in the city, I have to wait another month. His initial diagnosis is osteoarthritis. This happened almost overnight. It is especially worse in the morning, but really doesn t get any better the rest of the day. I know I have lost strength in the hand as well and grabbing things is very difficult. The worst fingers are the ring and pinky. If I massage the joint close to the palm, it seems to relieve some stiffness but it is temporary. It is not painful -- only soreness so I m not convinced it is not arthritis. I have 5 herniated cervical discs from the C1 to C5 and leaning to it being the cause. The same problem is happening to my left hand only I can still make a fist with some difficulty. What are your thoughts?