Interesting, might be a finger strength issue then
grab 
Do you suffer from this??
Boutonnière Deformity - OrthoInfo - AAOS.
I have that on my fretting hand pinky and it’s something I have to live with and work “around” as much as possible…
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It’s mostly the last joint in my fingers that I’m having the problem with
Photos or videos are often helpful. Maybe you can share a photo?
If it is indeed a Boutonierre deformity, then there is nothing that can be done surgically, I am afraid. Then, as mentioned, you’d have to live with it and develop a technique that still lets you do (most of) what you want to do.
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I’m not sure how I could do it and hold the camera at the same time without it being at a bad angle that doesn’t really show what’s going on. It’s the top joint, mostly happens in my last two fingers on my left hand, I try to keep my fingers curved but the top joints keep going flat.
My bad, indeed grab 
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Yeah sort of
but only when I’m pressing down
I don’t think we’ll be able to diagnose this here, but I don’t think it sounds normal. You should probably consult a doctor or physiotherapist. (For example you mentioned that this only happens with your pinky and ring fingers. This may or may not suggest that your symptoms are related to an issue with the ulnar nerve, which is responsible for those two fingers.)
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I have the mallet issue in some of my fingers, less of an issue on my fretting hand and more of a challenge plucking. Is this what you have?
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Mr. C.,
While I can understand you wanting to share your experiences, I think it unwise to ask the members of this forum for opinions as to whether or not you have medical problem.
Go see a Doctor.
-Sam-
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I don’t think it hurts to ask if anyone experiences something similar and I think it is understood we cannot provide a diagnosis. Agree, you need to go see a doc for a definitive way forward, but if others have somethings they have dealt with, it’s no harm.
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I don’t think it’s a medical problem. I can’t see a doctor right now. I think it’s unwise for you to make assumptions.
-Jacob-
Totally agree here.
It’s always helpful to hear about shared experiences. I did the same thing when I set up this forum thread for people experiencing hand and arm or shoulder pain - it’s pretty helpful too:
For the problem of joints collapsing when you apply pressure - I’ve seen similar things in many many students. It seems common in beginning students as you’re asking these tiny parts of your fingers to do very labor-intensive work.
I’d try every and any technique alternative to try and find something that’s more comfortable for your hand. The classic perfect technique of one-finger-per-fret, bent last joint landing perfectly like an eagle claw on the string doesn’t work for everyone.
Having said that - keep coming back to it.
I had this experience on the upright - collapsing joints.
I kept practicing, and it got better. Just took a long long time.
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What other techniques are there?
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Not sure.
Time an consistent practice worked for me and I’ve seen it work for students.
There are some members here who have had luck with finger/hand-strengthening tools.
I have not had good luck there, so I can’t recommend it.
Maybe someone else can speak to that.
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I have one of those as well, and it has definitely helped me. I can depress the pinky “button” all the way using just my pinky on my fretting hand. I can’t even do that using my dominant hand.
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I have something very similar to that Gripmaster, and it helps me quite a bit.
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