I think you should go to the doctor. You should not be in pain - pain exists to tell us that something is wrong.
I honestly don't think that your doctor will see you as a malingerer, and really, it doesn't matter if s/he does, does it? If you can be helped, you will be, and if not, at least you'll know what the matter is.
I suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees, and found an ointment on Amazon that helps. It is called 101 and is made in Eastern Europe from bee venom. It stings a bit (nowhere near as bad as a bee sting!) when you put it on, but it warms and soothes the area. I find it much better than ibuprofen gel, but your doctor may be able to prescribe something that is better.