I have been having a problem with my right middle finger for a few years now. There is a small area on one side on the top of my finger that hurts any time it is bumped. This area is only about 10 mm in diameter if that, it is near the proximal end of the nail bed a few millimeters below my nail and cuticle, on the side closest to the ring finger. There is no redness, swelling, or irritation in the area or on my cuticle, and I have never to my knowledge injured the area, nor do I remember having an infection there. The nail and and cuticle appear normal to me. The joint nearest the area does not hurt at all when bending. This area hurts any time it is touched and although it is small the pain is so intense whenever it is bumped with any force that I have to pause for a few seconds to catch my breath I am right handed but don't do much writing by hand. I type some but nothing excessive and there is no pain when I type. I thought maybe it might be a problem with my nail bed in that area, or maybe with the tissue there, but I have never heard of any type of condition that lasts for such a long time with no observable symptoms other than the intense pain. I kept thinking it would go away but it hasn't and I kept ignoring it because it is such a small area, but it is really annoying. I find myself avoiding certain sports activities because I am afraid to hit one tiny spot on my finger. Due to the inconvenience and pain I'd like to get rid of this problem if at all possible. Can anyone tell me if this is a common problem, what could be causing it, and what if any solutions there might be?