Hi Snowberry and welcome to the Forums and Chat sites.
You poor thing, I have suffered for over 25 years with this horrible skin disease, although not as bad as most. I have it on my knees, elbows, toe joints and finger joints. I also have terrible pain in my right foot, with swelling. This has been the case for a few years and I walk with a limp and in pain 24/7. I've not worn enclosed shoes for 2 years!!
All I can say is there are many things that could be related to your skin condition and it wouldn't help giving your doctor a call and making an appointment to see if you can get a referral to a rheumy. They will take notes, ask many questions, exam you even send you for x-rays, MRI etc along with blood tests. That way you may find that in deed you have a form of RA. That being the case look on the link for RA in the forums.
I'm sorry I can't help anymore than that, but be patient and keep asking questions and letting them know that your in pain and the syptoms you have.
Let us know how you get on one way or another. This site will be most helpful to you and a great place to bounce ideas and thoughts around, there's always someone who has good advice and ideas.
Take care and look after yourself.
Peggy 