Queen Letizia, 51, has been applauded for her elegance and style, but behind her smile hides a silent struggle against an ailment she has tried to keep private for years.
Morton’s neuroma and chronic metatarsalgia in her left foot have been a constant in her life, forcing her to adapt her routine and take measures to alleviate the intense pain that afflicts her.
Morton’s neuroma and metatarsalgia of Queen Letizia
Morton’s neuroma, also known as Morton’s metatarsalgia, is a disease that causes intense pain in the front part of the foot, between the toes.
This ailment, which is a frequent reason for consultation in specialized foot pathology services, has been an unwanted companion for the queen for years.
As Letizia herself revealed in October 2022, she has suffered in silence from this condition for some time.
However, in recent months, the pain has been accentuated, noticeably affecting her day-to-day life.
Although she is reluctant to give up heels for good, she has had to renew her footwear for more comfortable and practical mid-heeled shoes.
During the gala dinner at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam during her recent visit to the Netherlands, the Queen was forced to remain seated during the handshake.
The Spanish consort greeted the 220 guests seated, a sight that worried everyone and highlighted the seriousness of her condition.
“Morton’s neuroma causes incapacitating, very sharp pain, which often leads to cramping of the fingers,” explain the experts.
Expert advice
To alleviate the intense pain, experts recommend various treatments.
First of all, Letizia should say goodbye to high heels and wear wide, comfortable shoes.
If the discomfort persists, corticosteroid infiltrations and anesthesia in the area come into play, with quick and effective, although temporary, results.
The queen is reluctant to undergo surgery
So far, the queen is reluctant to undergo surgery, even though experts assure her that it is a simple procedure, but with a painful and long recovery.
After the operation, Letizia would have to wear a special orthopedic shoe for about three weeks and then gradually incorporate wide and flat shoes until full recovery.
Mary of Denmark’s advice
In her fight against this ailment, the queen has found unexpected support in Mary of Denmark.
During the state visit to that country in November 2023, Mary confessed to her that, when she wears voluminous and long dresses, she opts for comfortable shoes, such as low sneakers, to avoid discomfort.
Advice that surprised Letizia and she has started to apply.
Her daily struggle
The visibility of the queen’s condition during the gala dinner in Amsterdam has sparked media concern about her health.
Letizia, known for her strict adherence to protocol, was forced to take unconventional measures, something unusual for her.
Although the queen usually opts for heels in her public events, it is increasingly common to see her wearing flat and comfortable shoes to avoid the ravages of the ailment she suffers.
Queen Letizia’s silent struggle against Morton’s neuroma and chronic metatarsalgia is a challenge faced as she fulfills her royal duties.