Diagnosis Diagnosis is made by a podiatric surgeon and is based on a thorough history of symptoms, physical examination and diagnostic procedures. Classic symptoms include pain with walking. This pain may manifest itself as burning, shooting, stabbing or radiating. Relief of pain by removing the shoes and massaging the area is another typical symptom. A thorough physical examination of the lower extremity is performed.
Special attention is directed to the sensory portion of the neurological exam.
The patient's description of symptoms provided can often be reproduced upon physical examination. A painful, movable mass perceptible to touch that replicates the pain is a strong sign of a neuroma. The goal of treatment is to reduce or eliminate symptoms, so that you can maintain your normal lifestyle. Although some patients may not receive complete relief, it is expected that the vast majority will gain significant improvement from therapy. Treatment may be surgical or nonsurgical.