Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is one of the most common conditions in foot surgery and is usually caused by a nail that curls in at the sides (most frequently)(rolling nail = unguis convolutus). Here the nail cuts into the surrounding tissue and causes discomfort. The frictional forces caused by walking and running create a wound that can serve as a gateway for germs, resulting in an additional infection. Improper cutting of the toenails can also lead to corners, edges and thorns that injure the tissue.
The ingrown toenail occurs in most cases on the big toe and is more common in men than in women. Children are rarely affected.
Ledderhose disease
Ledderhose disease is one of the rare diseases in foot surgery and, like Dupuytren’s disease, is a fibromatosis. This means that it also leads to the formation of nodules and strands that can be assigned to a solid fiber structure (plantar fascia) of the sole of the foot. Microscopically, the tissue changes in Ledderhose disease are similar to those of Dupuytren’s disease.
While finger involvement is common in Dupuytren’s disease, the toes are extremely rarely affected in Ledderhose disease. The cords are usually found in the non-weight-bearing regions.
Ledderhose disease often occurs together with Dupuytren’s disease, but is much rarer. Approximately (depending on the literature) 1.5-10% of people with Dupuytren’s disease also have Ledderhose disease.
