What Causes Stiffness And Excruciating Stabbing Pain In Thumb Joint?

My thumb joint began feeling very tight, then it escalated into excruating stabbing pains. While the stabbing pain episode went on for about 5 minutes two veins "popped up" on my thumb knuckle. Within the hour I experienced several stabbing pain episodes. What would cause this. I am a healthy 32 year old female.