Services Doctor Page E-mail Neuroma Diagnosis and Treatment A thickening of the outer coating of a nerve. Caused by irritation as the nerve is rubbed by the long bones. Neuromas are often due to poor shoe fit and abnormal bone movement. The area between the third and fourth toes is the most commonly affected, however the area between the second and third toes is also commonly irritated. The pain can be described as burning, tingling or cramping with occasional shooting and numbness in the toes.
Symptoms usually occur during or after walking or standing.
At the doctor's office you should expect a history and physical and an examination. The doctor will squeeze your foot while pushing on the neuroma. During this test you may experience a similar tenderness to the pain you feel when walking or standing. X-rays may be used to rule out other causes of the pain. This is referred to as Sullivan's sign and is due to the growing mass pressing on bone and soft tissue.