a gradual onset??

Hi all.

I'm wondering if anyone had a gradual onset of their arthritis? I do have a doctor's appointment for later this week but I'm a bit obsessed right now and looking for input.

I am 36yo and I have had mild psoriasis for 2 years.

2 months ago both of my hands started aching for no apparent reason. That lasted for about 5 days and then completely went away for a few days. Then the left hand became sore and stiff, especially in the mornings. I have trouble opening packages, or lifting heavy items (like pouring a gallon of milk). I have been able to isolate the affected area to being my middle finger - the knuckle closest to the palm and also the one above that. It took about 8 weeks to become swollen, but the biggest knuckle is swollen now, onto the back of my hand. I have been taking Aleve twice a day and while it helps, it doesn't take the pain away. (it's not a HORRIBLE pain - but it's noticeable all the time, and it's quite stiff). In total - it's been about 10 weeks. It seems to have lessened a little in the last week.

My right shoulder was very sore (in the front of my shoulder) for about two weeks. It hurt to raise it up and woke me in my sleep. That seems to have subsided in the past week as well.

I am noticing "twinges" in the backs of my knees - they are sore if I sit with my legs bent for awhile and then get up and occasionally first thing in the morning. But it doesn't last long.

I am noticing "twinges" in my wrists, particularly at the base of my thumb, when I bend my wrist to the side. For example when I crank my steering wheel. Again the pain doesn't last, but I don't remember having it before.

My initial thought was psoriatic arthritis given my history. But from what I have read....the joints that are affected in my hand are NOT the typical PA joints. (I do not have pitting or ridges of the nails, and my fingers and toes are not swollen like sausages). Then again - I do not feel "sick" or achy all over like I've heard about an onset of RA, and the pain isn't terrible. I really feel like SOMETHING is going on, and my hand really seems to be arthritic.....but I don't feel like I fit the "profile" for any type. Is there such a thing as a slow onset?

Thanks for you input. I'll keep reading through the old posts to see if I can find some answers.

Thanks for your response!

I am not one to go to a doctor very often, and honestly part of me feels almost silly going in because ONE finger is currently sore and swollen....especially now that it seems to be easing up a bit. But I know that 10 weeks of stiff, sore, and swollen aren't normal for someone my age. I don't know if I have enough symptoms to diagnose anything at this point. I don't know if there's anything to be done besides OTC Nsaids which I've already been taking.

I probably wouldn't be noticing the wrists or knees if it wasn't for my hand. I probably would have assumed I somehow hurt my shoulder and let it go. Maybe I'm just paying TOO much attention to my joints right now because I'm really worried. But my fear is I'm at the beginning of something and the big flare is around the corner......