My doctor told me it is the Lupus attacking the vessels leading to the cartlidges and tendons. It cuts the blood supply off and causes the joints and tendons to die and also deprives the bone of blood supply. It can be temporary or permanent. I'm assuming the sharp pains might be short term lack of oxygen or a spasm in the blood vessel.

Im so glad you asked this question. My ankles give out all the time. Two days ago i almost fell three times. For me it tends to happen after ive been sitting for a long time. I will get up and feel fine (normal stiffness in joints) i will start walking and i will get this shooting pain in my ankles that makes me lose my balance and fall or almost fall. I hope you feel better.

My ankles give out. I hate it. I can’t wear heals anymore. I literally cried getting rid of all my heals. I’ve kept two favorite pairs and that’s it. I’m only 30 and I had to stop wearing them about 2 years ago. If I do they have to be wide and short. Usually just boots is all I will wear with a heal. I think the joints that we were the toughest on through life are the first ones to give out. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rolled my ankles growing up.

I've noticed that "give out" feeling in my wrist and elbow. I have a hard time tipping a pan and using a spatula with my other hand because the weight of the pan now makes my wrist or elbow do that and I've almost lost dinner to the floor a few times. It's sudden and I can't imagine how scary it would be if it were in my legs.