Quick answer: Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve between the toes (usually between the third and fourth) that causes burning ball-of-foot pain, numbness, and the sensation of “a pebble in your shoe.” Most cases improve with wider footwear, padding/metatarsal support, custom orthotics, and cortisone injections; persistent cases respond to alcohol sclerosing injections or, when needed, minimally invasive removal. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, we treat neuromas at every stage. Call (810) 206-1402.
★ 4.9-star rated by Michigan patients on Google · Board-certified surgeons · Same-week appointments
Morton’s Neuroma Treatment in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Morton’s neuroma is one of the most common causes of ball-of-foot pain — and one of the most treatable. The key is an accurate diagnosis and a step-up plan, starting conservative and escalating only if needed.
What is Morton’s neuroma?
It’s an irritation and thickening of the tissue surrounding one of the nerves that runs to your toes, most often between the third and fourth toes — which is why it’s also called an interdigital neuroma. Compression — from footwear, foot mechanics, or high-impact activity — inflames the nerve and causes the classic symptoms.
Symptoms
- Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
- Numbness or tingling in the toes
- Feeling like there’s a pebble or a fold in your sock under the ball of the foot
- Pain that worsens in tight or high-heeled shoes and eases when you rub the foot
Treatment — conservative first
- Footwear changes — wide toe box, low heel, cushioned sole.
- Metatarsal padding & custom orthotics — spread the bones and offload the nerve. (See custom orthotics.)
- Activity modification and anti-inflammatory measures.
- Cortisone injection — reduces nerve inflammation and pain.
If conservative care isn’t enough
- Alcohol sclerosing injections — a series that can shrink the neuroma and relieve pain without surgery.
- Minimally invasive removal/decompression — for persistent neuromas, an outpatient procedure to release or remove the affected nerve segment.
Our surgeons recommend the least-invasive option likely to work for your case, and reserve surgery for neuromas that don’t respond to conservative and injection therapy.
Why patients choose Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin are board-certified and rated 4.9 stars by Michigan patients on Google. We diagnose precisely (your symptoms can mimic other forefoot problems) and build a step-up plan so you avoid unnecessary procedures.
Visit us — two Michigan offices
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell
4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Livingston County · (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:30 PM · Free on-site parking
Balance Foot & Ankle — Bloomfield
43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Oakland County · (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:30 PM · Serving Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy & West Bloomfield
Request your neuroma evaluation →
Relieving Morton’s neuroma pain at home
While you wait to be seen, simple changes often ease the burning, numbness or “pebble in my shoe” feeling: switch to wide, low-heeled shoes with a roomy toe box, add a metatarsal pad to lift pressure off the nerve, ice the ball of the foot after activity, and avoid tight or pointed footwear. These steps calm the symptoms but do not fix the underlying nerve irritation — if the pain keeps returning, it is time to have it properly evaluated rather than push through it.
Custom orthotics for Morton’s neuroma
For many patients, a custom orthotic with a built-in metatarsal pad is the single most effective long-term fix — it offloads the irritated nerve with every step in a way drugstore inserts cannot match. We mold them to your exact foot at our Howell office and pair them with the right footwear so the neuroma stops flaring between visits.
What to expect at your Howell visit
Diagnosis is quick and hands-on. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS examines the ball of your foot, checks for the tell-tale click and pinpoint tenderness, and rules out look-alikes such as a stress fracture or capsulitis — with imaging if needed. We then build a plan that starts conservative (padding, orthotics, a cortisone injection) and only escalates to advanced options if the nerve pain persists. Most patients leave the first visit with real relief and a clear path forward.
Recovery and getting back to activity
Recovery depends on the treatment. Padding and orthotics let you stay active right away; a cortisone injection settles inflammation over a few days. If a procedure is ever required to address the nerve, most patients walk in supportive footwear soon after and return to full activity within a few weeks. We guide you at every step so there are no surprises.
Frequently asked questions
Will Morton’s neuroma go away on its own?
It rarely resolves completely without changes, but symptoms are very manageable. Footwear changes, padding, orthotics, and injections relieve most cases; the goal is to calm the nerve and offload it.
Do cortisone injections work for Morton’s neuroma?
Often, yes — a cortisone injection can significantly reduce nerve inflammation and pain, especially combined with footwear and orthotic changes. Effects vary in duration, and we may add other options if pain returns.
Do I need surgery for Morton’s neuroma?
Most patients don’t. Surgery is reserved for neuromas that don’t respond to conservative care, padding/orthotics, and injections (including alcohol sclerosing injections).
Does insurance cover treatment?
Evaluation, injections, and medically necessary procedures are typically covered by Medicare and major plans. We verify benefits and explain costs up front.
Do I need a referral?
No — podiatrists are direct-access providers in Michigan, so you can book directly even if your plan usually requires a referral.