Quick answer: Nerve Pain Foot Burning Michigan has multiple potential causes including mechanical, neurological, vascular, and inflammatory. The patterns we see most often are overuse, poorly-fitted shoes, and biomechanical imbalance. Red flags requiring urgent evaluation: warmth/redness (infection), inability to bear weight (fracture), and unilateral swelling without injury (DVT). Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
The most important clinical decision with Nerve Pain Foot Burning Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
Nerve Pain & Burning Feet — Causes & Treatme relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Burning, shooting, electric, or tingling pain in the feet is a symptom of nerve involvement — and nerve pain in the foot can arise from several distinct conditions, each requiring different treatment. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki provides a thorough diagnostic workup to identify the precise nerve pain source and deliver targeted treatment that actually works.
Causes of Nerve Pain and Burning Feet
Peripheral neuropathy — The most common cause of bilateral burning feet. Typically stocking-distribution (both feet, symmetric), often worse at night. Caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, alcohol use, B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, or idiopathic (unknown) causes. Diagnosis confirmed with blood tests and nerve conduction studies (NCS/EMG).
Morton’s neuroma — Nerve thickening between the 3rd and 4th (or 2nd and 3rd) metatarsal heads causes burning, shooting, or electric pain in the forefoot and adjacent toes. Typically unilateral and localized to the ball of the foot. Worsened by narrow shoes and high heels. A hallmark finding is the Mulder’s click — a palpable/audible click when compressing the foot from side to side. Ultrasound or MRI confirms the diagnosis.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome — Compression of the posterior tibial nerve at the inner ankle causes burning and tingling radiating into the heel, arch, and sole. Worse with prolonged standing or walking. Positive Tinel’s sign (tapping the inner ankle reproduces symptoms). Nerve conduction studies confirm nerve dysfunction.
Baxter’s nerve entrapment — The first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (Baxter’s nerve) becomes compressed between the heel bone and abductor hallucis muscle, causing burning or numbness in the heel — often confused with plantar fasciitis. Unlike plantar fasciitis, pain is typically located more to the side of the heel and may be associated with weakness of the small toe abductor muscle. Ultrasound-guided injection confirms and treats this diagnosis.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) — Following foot or ankle injury (even minor), CRPS causes intense burning pain, skin color changes, temperature asymmetry, and extreme allodynia (light touch causes pain). This is a serious neuro-inflammatory condition requiring multidisciplinary care involving podiatry, neurology, and pain management.
Superficial peroneal nerve entrapment — Compression of the nerve running along the top of the foot (often from tight shoe laces or a prior ankle sprain) causes burning over the dorsum of the foot and into specific toes. Lacing modification and nerve decompression injection are first-line treatments.
Diagnostic Approach
Dr. Biernacki begins with a detailed history and neurological examination, then uses diagnostic ultrasound to identify neuromas and nerve entrapments. Blood work screens for systemic causes. When nerve conduction studies are needed, Dr. Biernacki coordinates referral to a neurologist with experience in lower extremity electrodiagnostics.
Treatment for Nerve Pain in Michigan
Treatment is diagnosis-specific. Neuropathy management includes systemic medication (gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, topical compounded creams) and blood sugar optimization. Morton’s neuroma and tarsal tunnel syndrome respond to ultrasound-guided injections, orthotics, and if needed, surgical decompression or excision. Baxter’s nerve entrapment responds well to targeted ultrasound-guided injection.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (734) 479-6200 to schedule a nerve pain evaluation at our southeast Michigan offices. Accurate diagnosis is the key to effective treatment — don’t accept a generic “neuropathy” label without thorough workup.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
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
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my feet burn at night?
Nocturnal burning feet is a hallmark of peripheral neuropathy — especially diabetic neuropathy. At night, the absence of daytime distractions and movement makes nerve pain more perceptible. The most common causes are diabetes, alcohol use, vitamin B12 deficiency, and hypothyroidism. A blood test panel (blood sugar, HbA1c, B12, thyroid function) is the starting point for evaluation.
Can burning feet be cured?
It depends on the cause. Burning from Morton’s neuroma or nerve entrapment can often be fully resolved with appropriate treatment. Burning from peripheral neuropathy can frequently be significantly reduced with the right medications and blood sugar control, though complete cure is less common in long-standing neuropathy. Early treatment consistently produces better outcomes.
Is burning foot pain always neuropathy?
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No. Burning foot pain has many causes beyond neuropathy — including Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Baxter’s nerve entrapment, athlete’s foot fungal infection, contact dermatitis, and erythromelalgia. Each requires different treatment. A podiatric evaluation with targeted diagnostic testing distinguishes these conditions and directs appropriate care.
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentPros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
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Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor?
See a podiatrist if pain persists past 2 weeks, prevents normal activity, or is accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, swelling, numbness, inability to bear weight).
Can I treat this at home?
Mild cases respond to RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), supportive shoes, and OTC anti-inflammatories. Persistent symptoms need professional evaluation.
How long does it take to heal?
Most soft tissue injuries resolve in 2-6 weeks with appropriate care. Bone injuries take 6-12 weeks. Chronic conditions need longer-term management.
DR. TOM’S RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Products I Recommend for This Condition
Before coming in, these are the products I recommend. Affiliate disclosure: I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
⭐ PowerStep Pinnacle — Best OTC Orthotic
The OTC orthotic I recommend most in clinic. Semi-rigid shell controls rearfoot pronation while dual-layer foam cushions the heel.
Best for: Flat feet, plantar fasciitis, heel pain | Not ideal for: Very narrow shoes
💊 Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical I use in clinic. Arnica + camphor reduces inflammation at the tissue level — apply 3–4x daily.
Best for: Foot and ankle pain, inflammation | Not ideal for: Open wounds
Persistent pain after 4–6 weeks needs evaluation. Same-day appointments →
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offices.
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.