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World-Class Spine and Nerve Expertise, Close to Home in New Jersey

Persistent foot numbness can quietly erode your balance, independence, and well-being. At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute’s New Jersey locations, you’ll find compassionate, leading-edge care led by internationally recognized spine surgeon Dr. Michael Gerling. From minimally invasive procedures to regenerative medicine, our team addresses the entire neuromusculoskeletal system to find the true origin of your numbness—not just mask it—so you can move forward with confidence and comfort.

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What Causes That “Numb” Feeling in Your Feet?

Numbness in the feet can show up in many ways:

  • An odd tingling
  • A prickling burn
  • A feeling of walking on something cold
  • Total disconnection from where your foot is in space

Sometimes it’s nothing serious, like when a nerve is briefly pinched while sitting in one position. But if the numbness doesn’t go away—or keeps returning—it may indicate a more serious underlying issue that needs attention.

Foot numbness is often linked to pressure on spinal nerves from conditions such as:

  • Bulging or herniated discs
  • Degenerative narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis)
  • Misalignment of spinal bones (spondylolisthesis)

Other potential sources include:

  • Diabetic nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders
  • Muscular or skeletal imbalances that affect how you move

How You Can Benefit From Treating Foot Numbness

When we identify and treat the underlying cause, you may experience:

  • A safer stride with renewed feeling in your feet
  • Stronger balance and the confidence to walk without fear
  • Better rest, with fewer nighttime disturbances
  • A lower chance of long-term nerve damage
  • Improved spinal or metabolic health if those are contributing factors
  • A restored sense of freedom in your movement and daily life

Know When It’s Time to Get Help

Consider working with a specialist if you’re noticing:

  • Numbness that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back
  • A connection between numbness and back or leg pain
  • Episodes of leg weakness, cramping, or shakiness
  • Trouble with coordination, walking, or frequent missteps
  • Disruptions in sensation that make daily life harder or more dangerous

Don’t wait for answers, especially if symptoms worsen or come with serious concerns like muscle loss or bowel/bladder changes.

Our Step-by-Step Diagnostic Process

Uncovering the root of foot numbness takes more than a surface look—it requires careful listening, precise testing, and a whole-body perspective.

Step 1: We Listen Carefully

Before ordering any tests, we ask the right questions:

  • When did the numbness begin?
  • Has it worsened or changed over time?
  • Does it feel like tingling, burning, or a “dead” sensation?
  • Do certain activities aggravate it?
  • Is it linked to weakness, leg pain, or balance issues?
  • What’s your full medical history, including surgeries or injuries?

Step 2: Functional & Neurologic Exam

Next, we evaluate how numbness affects your daily movement:

  • Are your balance and reflexes intact?
  • Is there any noticeable weakness or muscle wasting?
  • How do you walk—are there gait abnormalities?
  • Can you feel temperature, vibration, and light touch?
  • Are your nerves responding appropriately?

Step 3: Imaging for Clarity

To see what’s happening beneath the surface, we use:

  • MRI scans to look at discs, nerves, and soft tissues
  • CT imaging to assess bone structure and alignment

We check for spinal stenosis, disc herniation, or nerve root compression

Step 4: EMG & Nerve Conduction Studies

If needed, we perform electrodiagnostic tests to map how well your nerves function:

  • Track electrical signals through your muscles and nerves
  • Pinpoint nerve entrapment or compression
  • Determine whether the issue is spinal or peripheral
  • Guide treatment decisions based on severity and location

Step 5: Lab Work (If Indicated)

When internal conditions are suspected, we may run blood tests for:

  • Blood sugar (diabetes screening)
  • Vitamin levels crucial for nerve health
  • Thyroid or autoimmune issues
  • Metabolic disorders that affect nerve function
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Why New Jersey Patients Choose Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute

Across our New Jersey locations, Dr. Michael Gerling is known for delivering world-class spine care without the need to travel far from home. As a board-certified spine surgeon with over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures, Dr. Gerling offers unmatched expertise in minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques, with an exceptional safety record.

His leadership roles include serving as President of the Federation of Spine Associations (FOSA) and Chair of Education for the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS), along with ongoing contributions to major organizations like AAOS, NASS, and LSRS. With more than 190 published studies and 10 textbook chapters, Dr. Gerling brings academic-level excellence to New Jersey patients seeking relief, restoration, and lasting results.

Personalized Treatment and Expected Results

Once the source of your foot numbness is identified, we tailor your treatment using proven interventions such as:

  • Biologic injections to aid nerve repair
  • Decompression of pinched nerves
  • Targeted procedures to relieve spinal pressure

Here’s what you can expect:

  • These therapies are typically performed in a minimally invasive, outpatient setting, allowing for faster recovery and lower risk
  • Patients often experience stepwise improvements in sensory function and mobility, with some achieving notable relief shortly after surgical decompression
  • Regenerative options work gradually, promoting tissue regeneration over time

Your recovery is monitored at each stage, and your care plan evolves based on your progress, ensuring effective results with as little disruption to your life as possible.

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Related Conditions We Treat

  • Sciatica
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Chronic low back pain
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Foot drop and motor weakness

Take the First Step Toward Relief in New Jersey

You deserve to move through life with ease, not discomfort. If foot numbness interferes with your daily routine, our New Jersey care team is ready to help. Book your consultation at Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute today and discover a personalized path to restored sensation and renewed confidence.

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Relief starts with quality orthopedic care. Contact us today to take the next step toward a more active, pain-free life.

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