What can cause throbbing pain under my fingernail if there's no injury?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Throbbing pain under the fingernail without any injury may be caused by a glomus tumor—a small, benign growth that develops beneath the nail. Though non-cancerous, glomus tumors are known for producing intense, pulsating pain, extreme sensitivity to cold, and pinpoint tenderness when pressed. Other possible causes include subungual infections, ingrown nails, or nerve-related conditions.

Because unexplained nail pain can stem from several different conditions—some minor, others requiring medical attention—it's important to identify the likely cause early. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be behind your discomfort and guide you toward the right next steps, whether that's home care or seeing a specialist. It only takes a few minutes and could save you time, worry, and unnecessary appointments.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

When you feel throbbing pain under your fingernail without any trauma to it, one reason might be a glomus tumor. This is a very small, noncancerous lump made of special cells that control blood flow. Even though it is tiny, it can cause a lot of pain that feels like it is throbbing, especially when the nail is touched or comes in contact with changes in temperature.

The pain from a glomus tumor can be persistent and may not be linked to any recent injury. Sometimes, other conditions can also make your nail bed painful, such as a low-grade infection or underlying nail conditions linked to systemic issues.

If you notice that the discomfort lasts a long time, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool to help understand what might be causing your pain before seeing a doctor who can examine your finger and decide on the best steps for diagnosis and treatment.

(References)

Bordianu A, Zamfirescu D. The hidden cause of chronic finger pain: Glomus Tumor - A Case Report. J Med Life. 2019 Jan-Mar;12(1):30-33. doi: 10.25122/jml-2018-0060. PMID: 31123522; PMCID: PMC6527404.
Olvera-Rodríguez V, Gatica-Torres M, Carrillo-Córdova DM, Barrera-Godínez A, Domínguez-Cherit J. Painful nails: A practical approach to the diagnosis and management of painful nail conditions. Int J Dermatol. 2021 Nov;60(11):1318-1333. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15496. Epub 2021 Mar 15. PMID: 33720408.
Gollins CE, de Berker D. Nails in systemic disease. Clin Med (Lond). 2021 May;21(3):166-169. doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2021-0243. PMID: 34001565; PMCID: PMC8140692.

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