Individuals with the 2nd toe longer than the 1st (Morton's foot or Greek foot) may have it preferential affected.

RETRONYCHIA

In retronychia, the nail plate is driven into the proximal nail fold causing pain, erythema and inflammation.

Multiple nail plates may form, one on top of the other (nail stacking) and a chronic paronychia is typical.
Onycholysis is a common component and probably adds to the weakness of the nail structure, allowing trauma to better manipulate the nail.
Both children and adults may be affected.
The great toe is most commonly affected, but in individuals with a long 2nd toe, it may be affected preferentially, as illustrated above.

Clinical

The proximal nail fold is swollen and inflamed. Granulation tissue may be seen. Patients may complain of pain and impaired walking. The patients should be questioned about trauma, sports, dancing, and tight or uncomfortable shoes. Reported causes include tight-fitting shoes, hiking, jogging, dancing and osteoarthritis. The inflammation may subside, but often, the nail detaches from the skin and falls off, only to later regrow.

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