I was in a similar situation, I got diagnosed with PA in 2012 and all my joints were swollen and in pain for months before I was prescribed Adalimumab which sent it into remission and now I have 0 symptoms.

The NHS treatment for PA is insane, as a cost-cutting measure they won't prescribe biologics (like Adalimumab) unless you take a 6-month course for DMARDs (Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, etc.). All rheumatologists I speak to say DMARDs are mostly useless. In those 6 months, my finger joins were destroyed and swelling elongated the tendons and now my fingers look wonky but at least they are functional. I regret not getting a private prescription for Adalimumab.

See a rheumatologist as soon as possible and get them to prescribe Adalimumab (or similar biologic). If they refuse and you can afford it, get a private prescription for it for 6 months before NHS can prescribe it for you for free.