Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Neuromas Beyond Morton’s: Joplin’s Neuroma, Baxt 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.
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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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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Morton’s neuroma — perineural fibrosis of the common interdigital nerve at the third web space (and less commonly the second) — is the most recognized nerve entrapment of the forefoot, but several other nerve entrapment syndromes produce forefoot and hindfoot pain that can mimic or coexist with Morton’s neuroma. Identifying the specific nerve involved guides targeted treatment and prevents failed neuroma surgery from treating the wrong pathology.
Joplin’s Neuroma
Joplin’s neuroma is perineural fibrosis of the proper plantar digital nerve supplying the medial aspect of the great toe — resulting from chronic mechanical pressure against the medial toe from tight footwear, hallux valgus deformity causing pressure on the medial nerve, or direct trauma. Clinical features: burning, tingling, or numbness at the medial great toe plantar surface; point tenderness at the medial first MTP joint; and Tinel’s sign with percussion over the medial first metatarsal head. Frequently coexists with bunion deformity — improvement of hallux valgus alignment reduces the mechanical compression contributing to Joplin’s neuroma. Treatment: footwear modification (wide toe box), bunion orthotics, corticosteroid injection targeting the medial first MTP nerve, and surgical excision for refractory cases.
Baxter’s Nerve (First Branch of the Lateral Plantar Nerve)
Baxter’s nerve entrapment — compression of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve between the abductor hallucis muscle fascia and the medial calcaneal border — is an underappreciated cause of chronic heel pain estimated to coexist with plantar fasciitis in 20% of refractory cases. Clinical features: medial plantar heel pain that does not follow the classic plantar fasciitis morning pain pattern; neuritic pain radiating into the lateral heel; point tenderness at the medial calcaneal border where the nerve passes; and pain with palpation of the abductor hallucis muscle belly. EMG/nerve conduction studies may demonstrate denervation in the abductor digiti quinti. Treatment: corticosteroid injection targeting the nerve compression point, orthotics addressing subtalar pronation, and surgical nerve decompression for refractory cases. Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle evaluates heel pain with attention to nerve entrapment etiologies when standard plantar fasciitis treatment fails. Call (810) 206-1402 at our Bloomfield Hills or Howell office.
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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
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- No-sew overlays
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New Balance 1080 V14 — max forefoot room decompresses the pinched nerve.
Wide-Toe-Box Walking Shoe
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New Balance 990v6 — prevents the forefoot compression that triggers Morton’s neuroma.
Orthotic with Met Pad Built-In
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- 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.
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PowerStep Pinnacle — arch support reduces nerve irritation between metatarsals.
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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 is the best treatment for peripheral neuropathy in the feet?
Treatment depends on the cause. For diabetic neuropathy, blood sugar control is most important. Other options include B12 supplementation, MLS laser therapy, topical creams (capsaicin, lidocaine), and prescription medications like gabapentin or duloxetine. Our podiatrists tailor treatment to each patient’s specific type and severity.
Can neuropathy be reversed?
In some cases — particularly when caused by vitamin deficiencies or early-stage diabetes with good glucose control. However, long-standing nerve damage is often permanent. Treatment focuses on slowing progression, managing symptoms, and preventing dangerous foot complications like ulcers.
How often should I see a podiatrist if I have neuropathy?
Patients with peripheral neuropathy should have comprehensive foot exams every 3–6 months, or more frequently if they have diabetes, poor circulation, or a history of foot ulcers.
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
Nerve Pain Specialists — Beyond Morton’s Neuroma
Foot neuromas extend beyond just Morton’s neuroma. Our podiatrists diagnose and treat Joplin’s neuroma, Baxter’s nerve entrapment, and other interdigital nerve conditions.
Learn About Our Neuroma Treatments → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- Jain S, Mannan K. The diagnosis and management of Morton’s neuroma: a literature review. Foot Ankle Spec. 2013;6(4):307-317.
- Baxter DE, Pfeffer GB. Treatment of chronic heel pain by surgical release of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1992;(279):229-236.
- Joplin RJ. The proper digital nerve, vitallium stem arthroplasty, and some thoughts about foot surgery in general. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1971;76:199-212.
- 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.
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