Is this arthritis starting?

[Ihaveausername]

For about 2-3 weeks I have been experiencing intermittent pain and stiffness in middle finger of left, non-dominent hand, especially in the morning. It really hurts to move it, but after a while it is fine. There is no swelling etc. It does happen occasionally during the day and on occasion I have had to manipulate it manually from a bent position into straight as I can't do it by itself.
My dm had arthritis in hands and knees and was just given pain killers and had a knee replacement, so I wonder if there is genetics involved. Should I see my GP or will they just say pain killers when it is bad. I can cope with it just now, it is just annoying.

It could well be, OP. You need to know whether it's rheumatoid arthritis beginning or osteoarthritis. The former is an autoimmune disease and if your mother had it then you could certainly have inherited the tendency towards developing it, or another autoimmune disease. I think go see your GP as treatment options are different depending on the type of arthritis.

I doubt they will be interested in a finger IME.
I was back and forth for years with worsening pain in fingers and hands, from about age 50. Finally diagnosed with RA at age 56 and now have Osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis. I don't know anyone my age (66) who doesn't have a hint of arthritis.
Osteo is tricky because the only treatment is when it gets very bad to replace joints. RA is more serious but can be managed with drugs.

Could be or maybe Carpal tunnel. Carpel tunnel can also be brought on by arthritis. I was waking up with stiff fingers and had to manipulate my fingers to get them going in the morning. (I have mild carpal tunnel and arthritis in my wrists, a couple of fingers and thumb)
Try using a wrist splint at night, not too tight, just enough to stop your wrist bending whilst you sleep. Feels odd at first but you’ll soon get used to it. That will take the pressure off your wrist at night and help both ailments.

Thank you all for that information. I will do some more research. I can cope with it just now but interested to find out if there is something to prevent it getting worse or slow it down.