I've had the surgery. It was so nice to not have the burning pain when cycling or driving extended periods of time. Mine was removed between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal. He came in from the top to make recovery quicker. Both of those toes have a different feel to them, but I wouldn't call them numb - hard to describe.

I did try the cortisone shots first. I absolutely hated them.

I also use Superfeet now with a small slight cutout for a dropped met head. I use the Superfeet in my daily and cycling shoes.