At Istituto Image, we approach personal well-being with a method that integrates scientific innovation and a deep understanding of the body’s biological mechanisms.
For this reason, we offer cutting-edge solutions for painful and disabling conditions such as Morton’s Neuroma.
Our goal is not only to relieve symptoms but to act on the root cause of inflammation through advanced regenerative therapies, such as the Lipogems technology, to provide effective and lasting relief and improve quality of life.
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s Neuroma, despite its name, is not a tumor or neoplasm, but a benign degenerative condition affecting one of the interdigital nerves of the foot. It is a perineural fibrosis, meaning a thickening of the connective tissue surrounding the nerve, caused by chronic irritation or mechanical compression.
This condition most commonly develops in the space between the third and fourth toes, an area anatomically more prone to stress and microtrauma. The increase in fibrous tissue volume compresses the nerve, triggering painful and bothersome symptoms that can become disabling in daily activities. The sensation is often described as having a “pebble in the shoe,” a persistent discomfort that prevents normal walking.
Common Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma in the Foot Nerves
The symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma are very characteristic and tend to worsen with tight footwear or physical activity, then ease with rest and by removing the shoes. Recognizing them is the first step toward a correct diagnosis.
The most common signs include:
- Sharp, burning pain: Mainly localized in the forefoot, at the base of the toes.
- Foreign body sensation: The feeling of having a pebble, a bead, or a fold in the sock under the foot.
- Electric shocks or tingling: Pain and numbness radiating towards the affected toes.
- Toe cramps: The sensation of toes “overlapping” or sudden cramps.
- Immediate relief when removing shoes: A typical and almost instinctive gesture is taking off footwear and massaging the area to find relief.
Main Causes of Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma is a condition caused by mechanical overload. Inflammation and the subsequent nerve thickening are the body’s response to compression or repeated stress over time. Understanding the causes is essential to set an effective prevention and treatment strategy.
