I have the same thing happen quite frequently. Pick up a fork, try to separate a magazine page, even petting one of my cats! I don't have any explanation for it, I'm just thankful it only lasts a moment. :)

Mines usually when I press down - not pull up. Slamming a hammer on a nail, pushing a sticky door shut even rubbing a back or crawling. Figure it's residule damage from a decade of moderate-severe RA.

I should have added that when I pull my finger to the side it also elicits this pain. Or when the knuckles rub on anything, even pulling shoes on, for example.

This is what led me to the doctor. I can't even get my nails done anymore for fear of the pain when they manipulate my fingers.

No, I don't get that. Just a constant burning pain in the joints.

I get this as well. It feels like there is a balloon in the middle of my bones, and it blowing up. Life stopping pain. Like you said, take your breath away. and gone. strange. today I was experiencing this as roving pain. one minute it was one finger, the next it was a different finger on the other hand. it slowly tortured on both hands all day, but not a finger went un-attacked. For me though, it is the tips of the fingers as well.

Yes when I bend the fingers. Makes me gasp. Goes away but as you described sudden without warning very painful & sharp.
Sammy