I've got sharp pain when in a half crimp position sometimes in my ring finger , along with swelling to the joint, once warmed up I almost always done notice it.
that's how it feels at times yes, I'm able to pull it and pop it and it feels better for a few minutes.
by drop your little finger you mean go into a 3 finger drag? If so I avoid this like the plague and often drop off (mostly out of fear of injury!)