[Noah930]

Celebrex and Naprosyn are both anti-inflammatories, but work through different mechanisms. Celebrex is in the COX-2 inhibitor class, and Naprosyn (and Advil/Motrin/Aleve) is an NSAID. No perticular rhyme or reason--sometimes one just works better than the other. Sometimes some meds in the same class work better than other meds in the same class.

All meds have potential side effects. If you're older and have a heart condition, a couple other COX-2 drugs got pulled from the marketplace because of increased cardiac risk (i.e. death from heart attacks). Just one thing to keep in mind. Maybe not a problem if you're only taking this stuff for a few weeks, but you should keep it in mind if you're using if for long periods.

Looks like you sprained the PIP joint. Which side hurts more, the swollen side? Or the other side next to the index finger? Is the joint stable (or can you wiggle it significantly side-to-side like how it's NOT supposed to go)? If you have to, buddy tape it--I'd advise to the ring finger as it looks like the ulnar collateral ligament is the one that's injured. You don't want to open book the injury by taping it to the index finger. And move the joint. Don't splint it in a static position.

It may stay swollen for a couple weeks...or several months. Soft tissue injuries take their own sweet time to heal. But by keeping it supple and moving, you're minimizing the amount of scar tissue that develops that leads to stiffness. Scar tissue is simultaneously your friend (that's how the ligament will heal) but also your enemy (too much scar tissue leads to permanent joint stiffness). A little stiffness takes a LOT of therapy to work away. Don't get stiff to begin with.

As long as the joint is stable, you don't need surgery.