It sounds like inflammation due to maybe weather changes or diet but the doctors may need to run test to check for Rheumatoid Arthritis or other conditions that cause sudden pain. My experience is suddenly feeling really hot with pain in my joints and it causes just a couple hives. I have a Rheumatologist who said I have Raynaud's Phenomenon that cause the vessels to quickly expand and contract to temperature changes. But his condition sounds like he needs to see a specialist for sure.