Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Morton’s Neuroma: Diagnosis, Injection Therapy, and Su relates to Morton’s neuroma — typically caused by nerve compression between toes. Most patients improve in 8-12 weeks conservative with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon, 3,000+ surgeries performed. Updated April 2026 with current clinical evidence. This article reflects real practice experience from Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Quick Answer
Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes causing burning pain, numbness, or the sensation of a pebble under the ball of the foot. Wide toe-box shoes with a metatarsal pad resolve 70% of cases; the rest benefit from cortisone or sclerosing injections.
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
▶ Watch
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Morton’s neuroma — a perineural fibrosis of a common digital nerve of the foot, most commonly in the third interspace (between the third and fourth metatarsal heads) followed by the second interspace — is one of the most common causes of forefoot pain in middle-aged adults, particularly women wearing narrow or high-heeled footwear. Despite the name, it is not a true neuroma but rather a reactive fibrosis around the nerve from chronic compression and friction — producing the characteristic burning, electric, or numb forefoot pain that radiates into the toes and is classically relieved by removing the shoe and rubbing the foot.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination: the Mulder’s click — simultaneous lateral compression of the metatarsal heads with one hand while applying direct pressure in the interspace with the other produces a palpable and sometimes audible click as the thickened nerve is forced between the metatarsal heads; tenderness in the interspace (not on the metatarsal head, as in metatarsalgia); reproduction of the patient’s burning and radiating toe pain with interspace palpation. Web space sensation: reduced sensation in the cleft between the affected toes in advanced cases. Imaging: ultrasound (the preferred imaging modality — identifies the hypoechoic interspace mass and guides injection; neuroma must be >5mm for reliable identification; also identifies bursitis and other interspace pathology); MRI for atypical presentations or surgical planning. Differential diagnosis: Freiberg’s disease (articular pathology vs. interspace mass), plantar plate tear (MTP joint laxity), metatarsalgia (diffuse pain without neuritic quality), intermetatarsal bursitis (communicating bursa — treated identically to neuroma with injection).
Treatment
Conservative: wide toe box footwear; metatarsal pad proximal to the neuroma (distributes metatarsal head pressure); custom orthotics; anti-inflammatory medications. Injection therapy: corticosteroid injection into the interspace under ultrasound guidance — 70–80% response rate for initial injection; typically 2–3 injections separated by 6 weeks if the first provides relief; alcohol sclerosing injection series (4% alcohol every 7–10 days for 7 treatments) — 60–80% success in some series; less systemic side effects than repeated steroids. Surgical excision: for neuroma pain refractory to 6 months of conservative management; dorsal or plantar approach — plantar approach provides better visualization but risks painful plantar scar; excision of the nerve proximal to the bifurcation produces predictable numbness in the web space; 80–85% satisfactory results; residual stump neuromas occur in 5–10%. Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle diagnoses Morton’s neuroma with clinical examination and ultrasound, and provides ultrasound-guided injection therapy before considering surgical excision. Call (810) 206-1402 at our Bloomfield Hills or Howell office for forefoot pain evaluation.
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home care isn’t resolving your Morton’s neuroma, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer same-day and next-day appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.
Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Neuroma Essentials
Wide Neutral Cushion Shoe
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort. Bio-based content is made from renewable resources to help reduce our carbon footprint, enhancing these road running shoes.
- These running shoes for women feature a gusseted tongue designed to help keep debris out
- No-sew overlays
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Adjustable lace closure for a customized fit
New Balance 1080 V14 — max forefoot room decompresses the pinched nerve.
Wide-Toe-Box Walking Shoe
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- ENCAP midsole cushioning combines lightweight foam with a durable polyurethane rim to deliver all-day support
- Reflective accents designed to catch the light
- TPU back tab
- New Balance MADE contains a domestic value of 70% or more. MADE makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s US sales.
New Balance 990v6 — prevents the forefoot compression that triggers Morton’s neuroma.
Orthotic with Met Pad Built-In
- The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
- When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
- The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
- The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
- Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible
PowerStep Pinnacle — arch support reduces nerve irritation between metatarsals.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
A Morton’s neuroma that doesn’t respond to metatarsal pads and wider shoes within 6-8 weeks usually needs a cortisone injection or — for stubborn cases — alcohol sclerosing or nerve decompression. Balance Foot & Ankle diagnoses neuromas with in-office ultrasound and treats them without surgery in most cases. Don’t keep walking on a burning, tingling forefoot — the nerve irritation compounds the longer it’s untreated.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Morton’s neuroma feel like?
Morton’s neuroma typically causes a burning, stinging, or electric-shock sensation in the ball of the foot, often radiating to the 3rd and 4th toes. Many patients describe the sensation of stepping on a pebble or having a bunched-up sock underfoot.
Can Morton’s neuroma go away on its own?
Very early-stage neuromas may improve with footwear changes alone. However, established neuromas typically require treatment — padding, orthotics, cortisone injections, or alcohol sclerosing injections. About 20–30% eventually need surgical excision.
What is the success rate of Morton’s neuroma surgery?
Neuroma excision has a 75–85% success rate for long-term pain relief. The risk of permanent numbness in the affected toes should be discussed before surgery. Minimally invasive approaches have similar outcomes with faster recovery.
Need Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle?
Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin see patients at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.
Book Online or call (810) 206-1402
Morton’s Neuroma Treatment in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Ball-of-foot pain and toe numbness from Morton’s neuroma can be effectively treated with corticosteroid injections, alcohol sclerosing injections, custom orthotics, or minimally invasive neurectomy when conservative care fails.
Learn About Morton’s Neuroma Treatment | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- Pace A, Scammell B, Dhar S. The outcome of Morton’s neurectomy in the treatment of metatarsalgia. Int Orthop. 2010;34(4):511-515.
- Thomson CE, Gibson JNA, Martin D. Interventions for the treatment of Morton’s neuroma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(3):CD003118.
- Mulder JD. The causative mechanism in Morton’s metatarsalgia. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1951;33-B(1):94-95.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
Related Treatments at Balance Foot & Ankle
Our board-certified podiatrists offer advanced treatments at our Bloomfield Hills and Howell locations.
Recommended Products from Dr. Tom