Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Morton’s neuroma near Brighton has a size threshold that determines whether two cortisone injections will work or whether you’ll need a more advanced approach — and most patients aren’t told this upfront. Neuromas under 5mm respond well to conservative care; neuromas over 8mm rarely do. Call (810) 206-1402 for ultrasound evaluation and targeted Morton’s neuroma treatment.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM · Board-Certified Podiatrist · Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC · Updated 2026
Morton’s Neuroma Treatment Near Brighton, MI
Morton’s neuroma treatment near Brighton, MI is available at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell. Dr. Biernacki DPM performs Mulder’s click test, distinguishes neuroma from stress fracture and plantar plate tear (the two conditions most often misdiagnosed as neuroma), and provides cortisone injections, sclerosing alcohol series, or neurectomy for refractory cases. Call (810) 206-1402.
The “Pebble in Your Shoe” Sensation: What Morton’s Neuroma Actually Is
If you feel like you’re walking on a folded sock or a small pebble lodged in the ball of your foot — between the 3rd and 4th toes in particular — you may have a Morton’s neuroma. Despite the name, it’s not actually a tumor: Morton’s neuroma is a perineural fibrosis — a thickening of the tissue surrounding the common digital nerve as it passes between metatarsal heads, caused by repetitive compression and irritation. The classic presentation: burning, tingling, or sharp pain in the 3rd/4th (most common) or 2nd/3rd interspace, worse in narrow shoes and heels, relieved by removing the shoe and massaging the foot. The pathognomonic clinical finding: Mulder’s click — compressing the metatarsal heads mediolaterally while palpating the interspace produces a palpable or audible click as the thickened nerve tissue subluxes. But Morton’s neuroma shares its presentation with two conditions that are frequently misdiagnosed as neuroma: stress fracture of the 3rd metatarsal (focal bone tenderness on direct palpation, positive with loading) and plantar plate tear of the 2nd or 3rd MTP joint (drawer test positive, toe hyperextension at the MTP, often a previous “failed neuroma injection” history). In our Howell-area clinic, patients who have had 2–3 cortisone injections without relief frequently turn out to have a plantar plate tear rather than a neuroma — ultrasound is the key differentiator.
Key Takeaway: Mulder’s click = Morton’s neuroma. Failed neuroma injections (2+) = check for plantar plate tear (ultrasound drawer test) or stress fracture. 3rd/4th interspace = most common neuroma space. Conservative treatment (wider shoes, metatarsal pad, injection) resolves 70–80%. Neurectomy is highly effective for refractory cases — small incision, minimal downtime, 85–90% satisfaction rate.
Treatment: Conservative to Surgical
Footwear modification: Wider toe box shoes to reduce intermetatarsal compression. Avoid narrow-toed heels >2 inches during treatment. Most effective first-line intervention — many neuromas resolve with footwear change alone. Metatarsal pad: Placed just proximal to the metatarsal heads, redistributes pressure and spreads the forefoot, reducing nerve compression. Corticosteroid injection: Ultrasound-guided injection into the interspace with combined corticosteroid and local anesthetic. 2–3 injections typically given. Effective in ~70% of cases. Risks with repeated injection: fat pad atrophy, plantar plate weakening. Sclerosing alcohol series: 4% dilute alcohol injections to the neuroma (series of 4–7). Scleroses the nerve tissue. Avoids steroid side effects. 60–80% reduction in pain. Surgical neurectomy: Excision of the nerve through a dorsal incision between the metatarsal heads. Immediate weight-bearing in surgical shoe. Permanent numbness in the web space (expected and acceptable). 85–90% patient satisfaction. Recurrence rare. Stump neuroma (10–15% of cases) is the primary complication.
⚠️ See a Podiatrist If:
- Burning or tingling between toes, especially 3rd/4th interspace, worse in shoes
- 2+ cortisone injections without lasting relief — re-evaluate diagnosis (plantar plate tear?)
- Numbness in the adjacent toes — nerve compression from large neuroma
- Pain at rest or at night — atypical for neuroma, investigate other diagnoses
- Multiple interspace symptoms — consider systemic neuropathy evaluation
Morton’s Neuroma Relief Products
Conservative products that reduce intermetatarsal nerve pressure — the source of burning and tingling in Morton’s neuroma:
Pedag Metatarsal Pad — Best for Morton’s Neuroma
A metatarsal pad placed just behind the ball of the foot spreads the metatarsal heads apart, relieving the compressive force on the interdigital nerve that causes neuroma pain. Placement is critical — positioned correctly, many patients get immediate significant relief. I use the Pedag leather-top version in our custom orthotics and recommend the adhesive version for shoes without removable insoles.
HOKA Bondi 8 — Maximum Cushion, Wide Toe Box
The Bondi 8’s maximalist cushioning reduces the ground impact load transmitted through the forefoot — the primary mechanical trigger for neuroma flare-ups. Combined with a relatively wide toe box and rocker bottom (which reduces toe dorsiflexion that compresses the nerve space), it’s the walking shoe I recommend most for Morton’s neuroma patients who need to stay active.
OrthoInfo – AAOS: Morton’s Neuroma
Getting to Our Office From Brighton
Our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 is about 10 minutes from Brighton via US-23 N. We accept most major insurance. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Ball-of-Foot Pain? Get a Morton’s Neuroma Evaluation
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📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
Morton neuroma near Brighton is treated with a step-wise approach starting with the most conservative options. Our podiatrist serving Brighton begins with wider footwear, metatarsal pads, and custom orthotics to reduce compression on the interdigital nerve. Corticosteroid injections provide significant relief for many patients and can be repeated as needed. Sclerosing alcohol injection series is another effective non-surgical option. If conservative measures fail after several months, surgical neurectomy — removal of the thickened nerve tissue — is performed as an outpatient procedure with excellent long-term results. Most patients near Brighton experience substantial improvement without surgery. We also evaluate biomechanical factors that contribute to nerve irritation and address them to prevent recurrence.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.