Neuromas and Burning Sensation

Yes, neuromas commonly cause a burning sensation as part of their characteristic pain profile. 1, 2

Clinical Presentation of Neuromas

Neuromas develop following nerve injury and present with several distinct pain characteristics:

Burning sensation is a hallmark symptom of neuromas, particularly in peripheral neuropathic pain 1
Pain is often described as spontaneous, electric, shooting or burning 2, 3
Additional symptoms include allodynia (pain from normally non-painful stimuli), hyperalgesia (increased pain sensitivity), and cold intolerance 2, 1
Paresthesias (abnormal sensations like tingling or pins and needles) commonly accompany the burning pain 1, 3
Dysesthesias (unpleasant abnormal sensations) are frequently reported 1, 4

The burning sensation associated with neuromas results from specific pathophysiological mechanisms:

Neuromas form when regenerating nerve fascicles become disorganized after nerve injury 5, 3
Hyperexcitability develops in the trigeminal pathway, causing spontaneous firing of damaged nerves that manifests as burning pain 1, 6
Small fiber involvement is particularly associated with burning sensations in the affected area 1
Peripheral and central sensitization contribute to persistent burning pain 3, 6
Neurotrophic factors and neuroinflammatory peptides play key roles in pain generation 6, 3

Neuroma pain significantly affects patients' quality of life:

The burning sensation and associated symptoms can be debilitating and resistant to conventional analgesics 3, 2
Pain often leads to functional limitations and disability 2, 4
In amputees, neuroma pain may prevent effective prosthesis use 4, 6
Symptoms become increasingly difficult to treat over time, emphasizing the importance of early intervention 2, 3

Diagnosis of painful neuromas with burning sensation involves:

Clinical history focusing on nerve injury and characteristic burning pain 2, 1
Physical examination including Tinel's test (tapping over the suspected neuroma elicits pain) 2, 1
Diagnostic nerve blocks can confirm the diagnosis by temporarily relieving the burning pain 2, 1
Assessment of sensory changes in the distribution of the affected nerve 1

Management of neuromas with burning pain includes:

Surgical approaches provide the most definitive treatment for painful neuromas 2, 4
Newer techniques include Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) and Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) 4, 3
For neuropathic pain components, medications like pregabalin or duloxetine are first-line pharmacologic treatments 1
Topical nerve regenerative therapies may help with peripheral neuropathic pain 1
Early referral to specialists is crucial as symptoms become more difficult to treat over time 2, 3

Neuromas affecting the trigeminal nerve can cause facial burning pain that mimics other conditions 1
Post-surgical neuromas (after procedures like dental work) may cause persistent burning pain in the affected area 1, 4
Burning mouth syndrome shares some features with neuromas but represents a distinct clinical entity 1
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can present with similar burning sensations but has different underlying mechanisms 1