Nerve Testing for Chronic Foot Pain

What You Need To Know

Understanding nerve testing, what it reveals, and how it guides treatment for chronic conditions.

Nerve Sensory Testing Explained

Nerve/Neurological Sensory Testing is performed using an electromyogram (EMG), which measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. Nerve conduction studies measure how well and how fast the nerves can send electrical signals. An abnormal response indicates a problem and may help establish the specific nature of the issue.

A number of different things can cause muscle pain and numbness in the lower extremities. Poor circulation, diabetes, injuries, and other conditions can damage nerves and muscles, impeding their ability to conduct signals. A nerve sense test may be called for if you are experiencing tingling, numbness, weakness, spasms, or paralysis of the leg muscles.

Common conditions we evaluate include peripheral neuropathy, which causes burning, tingling, and numbness in the toes. Morton’s neuroma is an enlargement of the nerve providing sensation to the toes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome results from repeated pressure on the posterior tibial nerve near the ankle.

At your appointment, your doctor will ask about the progression of your symptoms and medical history. Precision Foot and Ankle Centers can also perform a simple skin biopsy to determine the concentration of small nerve fibers in your lower extremity. This allows us to diagnose and effectively treat your condition, so please schedule an evaluation with our team.

What to Expect During Testing

No major preparation is necessary for an electromyogram test. You should bathe or shower the day of the test, and your doctor may ask you not to use lotion or oil on the area being examined, as these can interfere with results. Inform your doctor if you have a pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator, as electrical stimulation may affect these implants.

During the test, you will lie down on a table or sit in a reclining chair to relax your muscles. The skin around the testing area will be cleaned, and an electrode attached to a recording machine will be placed on the skin. Your technologist will then ask you to slowly tighten the muscle to record activity in the contracted state. The electrode may need to be moved several times to get a complete reading.

A video monitor shows the electrical activity, which usually appears as wavy or spiked lines. The EMG test typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. There may be some mild muscle soreness afterward, but this should subside after a day or two.

Nerve sensory testing is quite safe and is often covered by health insurance, so talk to your provider about coverage. You will receive results within a couple of days, and your doctor will work with you to build a treatment plan based on what the testing reveals.