Ethyl alcohol injection therapy is a targeted injection option sometimes used for nerve-related foot pain, most commonly Morton's neuroma.

Morton's neuroma involves irritation or thickening of a nerve in the ball of the foot, often causing burning, tingling, numbness, or a pebble-like feeling under the forefoot. Tight shoes, high heels, forefoot pressure, and prolonged activity can make symptoms worse.

Unlike injections that focus mainly on reducing inflammation, ethyl alcohol injections are intended to reduce pain by treating the irritated nerve tissue directly. At DeNova Health, this treatment would only be considered after an assessment confirms that the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment goals are appropriate.

What It May Help With

Ethyl alcohol injections are more condition-specific than many other injection therapies. They are usually discussed when nerve irritation is the main concern.

They may be considered for:

• Morton's neuroma: May help reduce pain from an irritated nerve in the ball of the foot.
• Burning forefoot pain: May be discussed when burning pain travels into the toes.
• Tingling or numbness: May be considered when nerve symptoms are linked to a confirmed neuroma.
• Pebble-like sensation: May help when a neuroma creates the feeling of stepping on a small lump or stone.
• Persistent nerve pain: May be discussed when symptoms continue despite supportive footwear, padding, or orthotics.

When This Treatment May Be Considered

Ethyl alcohol injection therapy may be discussed when the symptoms strongly suggest nerve irritation and conservative care has not provided enough relief.

This treatment may be considered when:

1. Nerve symptoms are clear: Burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain is travelling into the toes.
2. A neuroma is suspected or confirmed: The pain pattern fits Morton's neuroma or another localized nerve concern.
3. Footwear changes are not enough: Wider shoes, lower heels, padding, or orthotics have not fully settled the pain.
4. Activity keeps triggering symptoms: Walking, standing, work, or exercise continues to aggravate the forefoot.
5. The treatment goal is specific: The injection is being considered for a defined nerve problem, not general foot soreness.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Your visit begins with a focused review of your symptoms. DeNova Health will ask where the pain starts, whether it travels into the toes, what shoes make it worse, and whether it feels like burning, tingling, numbness, or pressure under the forefoot.

The assessment may include checking the ball of the foot, toe sensation, footwear fit, forefoot pressure, and whether the painful area matches a nerve-related pattern.

If ethyl alcohol injection therapy is appropriate, the clinician will explain how it works, what it is intended to do, and what side effects are possible. The injection area will be cleaned and prepared before treatment. The injection itself is usually brief, but you may feel pressure, stinging, or temporary discomfort.

Aftercare and Recovery

Aftercare may include:

• Footwear guidance: You may be advised to avoid tight, narrow, or heeled shoes that compress the forefoot.
• Temporary soreness: The injection area may feel tender, irritated, or more sensitive for a short time.
• Activity adjustment: You may need to reduce high-impact activity or prolonged standing for a short period.
• Ongoing offloading: Orthotics, metatarsal padding, or footwear changes may still be recommended.
• Follow-up planning: Your response may be reviewed before deciding whether more treatment is needed.

Possible Side Effects and Limitations

Possible side effects may include:

• Temporary pain flare-up: The injection area may feel more painful or irritated for a short time.
• Bruising or swelling: Mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness may occur around the injection site.
• Numbness: Because the treatment targets nerve tissue, numbness in the affected area may occur.
• Skin or tissue irritation: The surrounding tissue may become temporarily sensitive or irritated.
• Variable results: Some patients improve, while others may need further treatment, reassessment, or another care option.

Ethyl alcohol injections should not be presented as a guaranteed or permanent fix. One study reported strong short-term improvement after ultrasound-guidance alcohol injection, while a five-year follow-up study found that long-term results were less reliable for many patients.

Book an Ethyl Alcohol Injection Consultation

If burning, tingling, numbness, or pebble-like pain in the ball of your foot is making walking or footwear uncomfortable, DeNova Health can assess whether a nerve-related condition may be involved.

Book an appointment to review your symptoms, discuss your treatment options, and determine whether ethyl alcohol injection therapy may be appropriate as part of your care plan.