Pressure pain at the fingertip

It may be that a splinter in the fingertip causes particular pain when pressing on the affected area. Depending on the finger position where pressure pain occurs, this may also be a cause in the adjacent joint. Inflammations in the fingertip area, for example in the area of the nail, can also cause severe pressure pain.

Nail pain on the fingertip

A possible explanation for this is an ingrown nail or an inflammatory change in the nail area.Even the smallest injuries can lead to a purulent inflammation due to germ migration. If deeper structures such as tendons are also affected, the inflammation can spread to the hand and arm (phlegmon). To prevent this, the affected (pus) area is usually punctured and rinsed.

In addition, an antibiotic therapy is given. An ingrown nail is a risk factor for nail inflammation and can itself cause pressure pain.

Torn fingernail
Pus in the finger
Pus under the skin
Chewed fingernail

Swelling with pain at the fingertip

An additional swelling of the fingertip can occur either as part of an inflammatory reaction, an allergic reaction or a disturbed lymphatic drainage. In the case of an inflammatory cause, other accompanying symptoms (redness, limited function, overheating) are usually observed. In this case, the “main site” must be observed more closely, possibly a wound or discharge of pus.

In addition, the fingertip should be checked for an insect bite, which may have triggered a localized allergic reaction. It can also be helpful to think about the substances with which one has previously come into contact with the fingertip. It is also important to check whether the rest of the finger, possibly even the whole hand or arm, is also swollen – this would indicate a drainage problem. Alternatively, this article may also be of interest to you: Joint swelling of the finger

Pain at the fingertip in cold weather

If pain in the fingertips regularly occurs in cold environments, this indicates Raynaud’s syndrome, in which the finger(s) first fade away after exposure to cold or stress, then turn blue due to lack of oxygen, and turn red when reheated. This can last from a few minutes to an hour. The reason for this can be spasms (occlusions) of the supplying vessels (“primary” or “idiopathic”) or the syndrome can occur after taking certain medications or in the context of other blood diseases (increased toughness of the blood) (“secondary”). In the context of blood examinations and clinical tests, this can be better narrowed down.