Performing the Test: Grasp the metatarsal bones of the two metatarsal between which is the suspected neuroma. Next, the examiner moves the metatarsal back and forth while compressing them. A positive test is reproduction of the patient's symptoms. Often these symptoms are described as shooting, burning, or tingling pains.
Diagnostic Accuracy: Unknown.
Importance of Test: Morton's neuroma is an entrapment neuroma of the interdigital plantar nerve. It is more common in women between the fifth and sixth decades. Additionally, the third inter-metatarsal space is most commonly involved. Because the neuroma is directly connected to the nervous system, irritating the neuroma will cause nervous type symptoms, specifically numbness, burning or shooting pain. By compressing the suspected metatarsals, the examiner is mimicking metatarsal movements that would happen during gait or with foot motion.
Note: these tests should only be performed by a properly trained health care practitioner.
References: Torres-Claramunt, R. "MRI and ultrasonography in Morton's neuroma: Diagnostic accuracy and correlation." Indian Journal of Orthopaedics . 45.May- June 2012 (2012): n. page. Web. 5 Oct.
