Noticing pain in your finger when you press on it can be annoying — and worrying. Whether it’s a sharp, aching, or tender feeling, you’re not alone in asking, “Why does my finger hurt when I touch it?” At UNITY Chiropractic Wellness, located in Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central Station, we often see New York City residents dealing with hand and finger discomfort, sometimes without even knowing what triggered it.
Let’s explore some of the most common reasons behind finger pain when pressed, and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Finger Pain When Pressed
1. Sprains or Strains
One of the simplest explanations: you may have sprained or strained the finger without realizing it. Small injuries happen all the time — even from something as minor as catching your hand awkwardly on a door or typing heavily during a long day at work (common for many of our Midtown NYC patients).
2. Tendonitis
Tendons connect muscles to bones, and overuse or repetitive motion (like typing, texting, or gripping) can inflame the tendons.
Common signs of tendonitis include:
- Tenderness when pressing on the affected area
- Swelling or slight redness
- Stiffness when moving the finger
In NYC’s fast-paced work environment, tendonitis is becoming more common, especially among people working in finance, tech, or design.
3. Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)
Trigger finger happens when the tendon sheath in the finger becomes irritated, causing the finger to catch or lock when bent. Pressing on the tendon often brings sharp or noticeable pain. According to studies, trigger finger affects about 2–3% of the general population, with higher rates among individuals who perform repetitive gripping motions.
4. Minor Fractures or Bone Bruises
A small fracture (sometimes called a “hairline fracture”) or a bone bruise can cause tenderness when pressure is applied, even if there’s no obvious swelling or discoloration. Especially in a city like New York where accidents can happen quickly — from subway slips to catching yourself on a sidewalk — it’s worth considering.
5. Joint Issues or Early Arthritis
If pressing around the knuckle hurts, early arthritis could be starting. Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) or inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis) can both cause localized pain, swelling, and sensitivity. In fact, the CDC estimates that nearly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has some form of arthritis.
6. Nerve Irritation
Sometimes the problem isn’t in the finger itself but comes from higher up — like from a pinched nerve in your neck or wrist. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve at the wrist) can create finger sensitivity, tingling, or pain, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Finger Pain
You might not think of chiropractic care right away when your finger hurts, but many hand and finger issues actually start with alignment problems higher up — in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, or neck.
At UNITY Chiropractic Wellness, we evaluate the entire kinetic chain to find out why you’re having finger pain. Depending on your diagnosis, we might recommend:
- Spinal or wrist adjustments to improve nerve function
- Soft tissue work to ease tendon irritation
- Targeted exercises to strengthen hand and forearm muscles
- Ergonomic coaching to adjust how you type, text, or use your hands daily
Addressing the root cause — not just treating the symptoms — is key to long-term relief.
Common Questions About Finger Pain
Is it bad if my finger hurts when I press on it?
Pain is always a sign that something isn’t quite right. While it’s not always serious, persistent pain should be evaluated to prevent it from worsening.
When should I worry about finger pain?
Seek care if you experience:
- Pain that doesn’t improve after a few days
- Visible swelling or bruising
- Difficulty moving the finger
- Numbness or tingling
Can a chiropractor really help finger pain?
Yes! Especially if the pain is related to nerve issues, joint misalignment, or muscle/tendon problems stemming from the neck, shoulder, or wrist.
Why Choose UNITY Chiropractic Wellness for Finger Pain in NYC?
At UNITY Chiropractic Wellness, we don’t just treat backs and necks — we look at the entire body. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central Station, we make it easy for busy New Yorkers to get thorough, individualized care.
Our chiropractor takes the time to figure out why your finger hurts, not just where. We help office workers, athletes, and weekend warriors alike find real solutions — so you can get back to using your hands without worry.
If your finger pain is lingering, don’t ignore it. Contact UNITY Chiropractic Wellness today to schedule an evaluation and start your journey back to full function.