No, nails themselves do not feel pain. The pain associated with nails is actually felt in the surrounding tissues, such as the nail bed, the skin surrounding the nail, and the underlying bone.
Understanding Nail Pain (Onychalgia)
Nail pain, medically termed onychalgia, isn't pain originating from the nail itself. The hard keratin structure of the nail lacks nerve endings, meaning it's insensitive to pain stimuli. Instead, discomfort arises from problems affecting the surrounding sensitive areas.
Several conditions can cause pain around the nails:
- Infections: Nail infections, like fungal infections or bacterial infections, can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in the surrounding tissues. A severe nail fungus infection, for example, can become painful and even lead to permanent nail damage. Mayo Clinic describes this possibility.
- Injuries: Traumatic injuries, such as a forceful impact or a severely ingrown nail, can damage the sensitive nail bed and surrounding tissues, leading to considerable pain. A simple nail injury can lead to blood and fluid build-up under the nail plate, causing significant pressure and pain. MedlinePlus explains the role of pressure in nail pain.
- Growths and Deformities: Abnormal nail growth, such as an ingrown toenail, or deformities can put pressure on sensitive tissues, resulting in pain. An ingrown nail, as noted by Mayo Clinic, frequently causes pain, inflammation, and swelling.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, including inflammatory diseases and some cancers, can manifest as nail changes accompanied by pain. For instance, cancer treatments like radiation therapy can cause painful skin and nail changes, as documented by the National Cancer Institute.
The pain experienced is a result of damage or irritation to the structures around the nail, not within the nail itself. Many resources, such as the Ubie Health symptom checker, confirm that the pain is associated with the surrounding tissues, not the nail itself. Different causes lead to different pain levels and locations, ranging from acute to chronic pain.
