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Revolutionizing Spine and Nerve Care in New York City

Whether you're navigating subways, city streets, or daily responsibilities, numbness can interrupt your rhythm. At Gerling Spine Care, world-renowned spine surgeon Dr. Michael Gerling leads a multidisciplinary team offering surgical, minimally invasive, and regenerative solutions tailored to each patient’s anatomy and lifestyle. With locations across the five boroughs, we bring elite care closer to home, no matter where you live or work in New York.

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Foot Numbness Basics

Foot numbness refers to a partial or total loss of feeling in one or both feet. People often describe it as:

  • Tingling or “pins and needles”
  • Burning or stinging discomfort
  • A cold, lifeless sensation
  • Difficulty sensing foot position or movement


Occasional numbness can happen if nerves are temporarily compressed, for example, by crossing your legs for too long. However, if the sensation persists, worsens, or returns regularly, it may signal a deeper medical issue involving the spine, nerves, or systemic health.

Common spinal causes of foot numbness include:

  • Herniated spinal discs
  • Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
  • Slipped vertebrae (spondylolisthesis)


Non-spinal contributors may include:

  • Diabetes or other metabolic conditions
  • Autoimmune diseases causing nerve inflammation
  • Structural misalignments that impact gait or nerve flow

Why Treating Foot Numbness Matters

Seeking timely care for foot numbness can offer wide-ranging improvements in your daily function and long-term health, including:

  • Regaining sensation to protect against injuries and falls
  • Improving balance, stability, and ease of movement
  • Enhancing sleep and reducing discomfort caused by nerve irritation
  • Minimizing the risk of permanent nerve deterioration
  • Addressing root causes—whether spinal, neurologic, or systemic
  • Supporting independence and overall quality of life

When to Seek Medical Evaluation

Foot numbness may warrant professional assessment if you notice:

  • Ongoing or worsening loss of sensation in one or both feet
  • Numbness that coincides with lower back or leg discomfort
  • Muscle weakness, cramps, or instability in the legs or feet
  • Difficulty maintaining balance or frequent tripping
  • Sensory disruptions interfering with daily function or safety

Prompt evaluation is critical if you also experience pain, reduced strength, or changes in bladder or bowel habits.

How We Diagnose the Root Cause of Foot Numbness

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, we approach each case with precision and personalization, combining advanced diagnostics with clinical insight:

In-Depth History & Symptom Assessment

We begin by learning the full context of your symptoms:

  • Onset and evolution of your numbness
  • Whether the sensation is tingling, burning, cold, or entirely absent
  • Specific activities or positions that trigger symptoms
  • Associated complaints like weakness, pain, or instability
  • Pre-existing health conditions, surgeries, or injuries

Neurologic & Physical Examination

Our team evaluates your functional status through:

  • Balance and coordination testing
  • Strength evaluation in the legs and feet
  • Gait and walking pattern analysis
  • Reflex testing for nerve responsiveness
  • Sensory and motor testing (touch, temperature, vibration, control)

Advanced Imaging

To understand structural contributors to nerve compression, we use:

  • MRI for detailed views of soft tissues, spinal discs, and nerve roots
  • CT scans for high-definition imaging of bones and joints
  • Evaluation for disc bulges, stenosis, or nerve impingement

Electrodiagnostics (EMG/NCS)

These studies provide insight into nerve signal quality and pinpoint dysfunction:

  • Measure nerve signal speed and strength
  • Differentiate spinal vs. peripheral nerve issues
  • Identify the location and extent of nerve injury or dysfunction

Targeted Lab Testing

If metabolic or systemic causes are suspected, we may test for:

  • Diabetes (glucose, A1C)
  • Vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate)
  • Autoimmune markers
  • Thyroid and renal function
  • Other systemic imbalances affecting nerve health
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Why New Yorkers Trust Gerling Spine Care

Dr. Michael Gerling is one of New York’s most respected authorities in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery. Board-certified since 2008, he has performed thousands of complex procedures with an extraordinarily low complication rate, setting a citywide standard for excellence in spinal precision and safety.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Gerling has served as President of the Federation of Spine Associations (FOSA) and Chair of Education for the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS). He has authored over 190 peer-reviewed studies and numerous textbook chapters, making Gerling Spine Care a leader in clinical outcomes and a driving force in advancing modern spine and nerve care in NYC.

Treatment Options and the Healing Journey

Your care plan will depend on the specific cause of your foot numbness and may involve advanced techniques such as:

  • Precision-guided regenerative therapies
  • Minimally invasive nerve decompression
  • Spine-focused interventions targeting the root issue

Our outpatient procedures are designed to minimize downtime while maximizing results. Many patients notice gradual improvements in sensation, balance, and overall comfort over several weeks or months. Regenerative treatments encourage healing at the cellular level, while surgical solutions often bring more immediate relief.

Throughout your recovery, we provide close follow-up and adjust your care as needed to support your long-term wellness, ensuring your progress is steady and sustainable.

Related Conditions We Treat

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

Step Into Relief in New York City

Foot numbness shouldn't control your pace in the city that never slows down. Whether your symptoms are new or have lingered for years, our specialists across Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island are here to guide you toward clarity, comfort, and control. Schedule your consultation at Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute today and discover a customized plan to reclaim your mobility and well-being.

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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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