What Could It Mean If the Area under My Fingernail Hurts?

When you feel pain under your fingernail, it could be due to several causes. One common reason is a subungual hematoma. This occurs when you hit your finger hard enough that blood collects under your nail. The blood puts pressure on the nail bed and makes your finger hurt. In some cases, the pain might be caused by a glomus tumor, which is a small, benign (noncancerous) growth that can press on nerves inside your fingertip and cause sharp, constant pain. Another possible reason might be an infection near the nail. If germs get into a cut near the nail, they can cause a painful infection called a paronychia. To address pain under your nail, first observe if the pain started after a bump or injury. For a small injury, you can gently ice the finger and keep it elevated to reduce swelling. However, if the pain is severe, ongoing, or accompanied by redness or warmth, it is important to see a doctor. They can check if there is a blood collection that needs to be drained, if a tumor might be present, or if an infection is causing the pain. Early attention can help prevent further problems and lead to proper treatment.