finger jams

Here's one I bet quite a few people have had problems with. I'm talking finger joint jams. I have had them over my time training and they usually have gotten better with time and prompt treatment. But now I seem to have a couple of fingers that are not improving and are easily re-injured. My right ring finger actually feels like not so much a jam, but almost like a small deposit or something is causing pain even in a slight impact. It really gives me pain when I punch bags or anything because the pressure when clenching my fist.
I have done lots of hand and finger training over the years and never really had problems. I trained in a few snake styles over the years, and I specifically trained to strike with fingertips. Always had good results before, but I haven't trained them that hard in a while. I am 48 now, but in pretty good shape and my hands otherwise are decently conditioned. Any suggestions? Especially as it pertains to old injuries.
Thanks to evryone!