I was declined an MRI by the insurance company. I am schedule for an EMG (nerve conduction study) in a few weeks. Anyone know how accurate this is for diagnosing a neuroma. I have been having pain in ball of foot for quite a while. Also have a bunion - with angle measured as 13 degrees. Had 3 cortisone shots which didn't help a bit. Appreciate any advice.;)

The normal test is manual manipulation....basically they just squeeze the foot and the pain tells whether or not you have a neuroma. I don't think an MRI is needed...at least it wasn't in my case. Between the symptoms and the squeeze, it was enough for my insurance company. If you opt for surgery, be sure to opt for removal. It was pretty much a breeze for me.

And cortisone shots will not cure this. Alcohol injections may work but cortisone never will.

I don't know where Rome, NY is but my standard recommendation to is contact the nearest pro football or basketball team (or major college athletic program) and find out who handles their foot issues.
Go to him/her.

One pod I went to suggested "exploratory surgery." I am just hoping the Nerve Conduction Study finds the nerve if it is pinched. My big toe does these wierd contractions. My other symptoms are pain in ball of foot upon weight bearing, especially standing. I have no night pain, numbness or shooting pain. I do have a bunion, 13 degrees. What where your symptoms?

Well, I wouldn't be doing any exploratory surgery for this as it is easily diagnosed. I had a stabbing pain in the ball of my foot when walking or running. It did not hurt when I was off my feet. Squeezing the foot (thumb on one side and fingers on the other) in the area just behind the toes is the standard testing. Whatever you do, do not have decompression surgery. Opt for removal.

I had 3 cortisone shots - did nothing. Did you have the alcohol injections before surgery?

My neuroma was confirmed via manual manipulation as well. Never had an MRI or any other test. I did have a couple of cortisone shots (did nothing), wore special pads in my shoe (did nothing), got prescription orthotics (did nothing), and went to physical therapy, before my pod said I needed surgery. I had a neuroma the size of a walnut removed from my foot. OS said it was the biggest one he'd seen in a size 5 foot!

That was over 20 years ago, and although it seems to be growing back a bit now, I've had 20 years of pain-free existence! (I play soccer and run ultramarathons, so I'm not easy on my feet.) Surgery stinks, but it's definitely worth it!

Thanks for your reply, I don't know why this is such a questionable diagnosis for me. The pain in the ball of my foot drives me nuts. The only real relief I have is when I am sleeping. I was very active before this; now I have all I can do to get thru my day. Thank God I have a desk job. I even take my New Balance 587 running shoe off during the day.

Cortisone shots are not effective for neuromas. Alcohol injections are the only ones that might work. And no, I did not have them as we felt that the removal was a better option for me. I'm a jogger and really wanted to get back to running.

How long ago did you have them removed? Did they say that they could come back? Do you numbness where they where removed?

I had mine removed in 2002. Stump neuromas can occur but rarely do with a qualified surgeon. And yes, there is always come numbness between the toes in that area. However, I never notice it now though it felt funny at first. I was off work only the day I had the surgery. Never took anything stronger than Aleve. Two days later I drove 300 miles by myself. I had to stop a couple of extra times to walk off the swelling but it was doable. THen I drove back home two days after that! Went dancing the weekend after my stitched were out!

It's funny how they are questioning a neuroma. My foot feels better out of a shoe. I remove my shoe under my desk at work. The ball of my foot kills me. I can't stand for any length of time. My big toe wants to "contract" in my sneaker. Where these symptoms you had? I have a bunion as well.

Just a thought because your symptoms are so similar to mine - has any doctor mentioned sesamoiditis? They are two small bones in the ball of the foot that can cause a lot of pain. I ask because they are in the ball of the foot under the big toe and you mentioned some big toe symptoms. I also get funny contractions of my big toe and also some numbness and tingling when I push on different parts. I also get complete relief with staying off my foot but can't even tolerate a shoe during the day. Does it hurt more when you try to go up on the ball of your foot or "push off" when you walk? A neuroma was initially a thought in my case but the doctor said it is usually between the smaller toes and involvement of the big toe is less common. Also, sesamoid problems can be related to bunion issues. Hope you find out what is going on soon!

Mine was the pain in the ball of the foot only. And they squeezed from the sides, not on top and bottom. It was between the 3rd and 4th toes....classic Morton's Neuroma.

My podiatrist could feel mine between the toes. I've had problems with the ball of my foot for over a year and then I fractured the foot this summer and was in a cast for 6 weeks and the ball of the foot is almost unbearable now!

I was declined an MRI by the insurance company. I am schedule for an EMG (nerve conduction study) in a few weeks. Anyone know how accurate this is for diagnosing a neuroma. I have been having pain in ball of foot for quite a while. Also have a bunion - with angle measured as 13 degrees. Had 3 cortisone shots which didn't help a bit. Appreciate any advice.;)

I am having surgery for my mortons neuroma on the 14th of this month.
My doctor sent me to an orthopedic doctor and he took an x-ray and then examined my foot. You should not have to have a MRI they can tell just with an exam of your foot.