Pain in your fingernail when you press on it is usually caused by minor injury, infection, ingrown nail, or nail disorders affecting the area.
Common Causes
- Injury or Trauma: Even a small bump or pressure can bruise tissue beneath the nail (subungual hematoma) or cause tenderness, especially if you don’t recall hurting it.
- Infection (Paronychia): Redness, swelling, and pain can indicate an infection of the nail fold, which often develops after minor trauma or exposure to moisture.
- Ingrown Fingernail: Nails that grow into surrounding skin due to improper cutting or injury can result in significant pain when pressed.
- Fungal Infection: Changes in nail color, thickness, or texture and pain may signal a fungal issue, often from exposure to moist environments.
- Torn or Cracked Nail: Exposed nail beds from splits or cracks can create sensitive, painful areas until new skin grows back.
- Tumor or Joint Disorder: In rare cases, nail pain may be linked to joint conditions like osteoarthritis or even tumors beneath the nail.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Redness, swelling, or pus
- Changes in nail color or thickness
- Bleeding or rawness near the nail
- Persistent pain, especially with additional joint symptoms
Self-care and When to See a Doctor
- Minor pain often resolves with rest, cold compress, or warm soak.
- If symptoms worsen, persist, or include pus, uncontrolled bleeding, or streaks of redness, seek medical advice to rule out serious infection or injury.
If your nail pain started after an injury, looks swollen, or has signs of infection, consider consulting a healthcare professional for a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
