What Causes Pins and Needles?

Pins and needles, medically known as paraesthesia, is a common sensation described as tingling, prickling or numbness often felt in the hands, feet or other parts of the body. While usually temporary and harmless, it can sometimes indicate underlying medical conditions. Understanding what causes pins and needles helps identify when it’s a simple issue or when medical advice is needed.

What Is Pins and Needles?

Pins and needles is the sensation of tingling or prickling, often compared to the feeling of tiny needles or pins poking the skin. It typically occurs when pressure is applied to nerves or blood vessels, temporarily disrupting normal nerve signals.

Common Causes

One of the most frequent causes of pins and needles is pressure on a nerve or poor blood circulation. For example, sitting cross-legged for a long time or sleeping awkwardly on an arm can compress nerves, causing the familiar tingling sensation. Once pressure is relieved, the sensation usually disappears quickly.

Injury to nerves from trauma, repetitive movements or prolonged pressure can also cause pins and needles. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome result from nerve compression in the wrist and cause tingling in the hands.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions affect the nerves and can cause persistent or recurrent pins and needles. Diabetes is a common cause, where high blood sugar damages nerves leading to diabetic neuropathy. Multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders can also cause paraesthesia.

Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12 deficiency, may lead to nerve damage and tingling sensations. Circulatory problems such as peripheral artery disease reduce blood flow to limbs and cause pins and needles.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Occasional pins and needles that resolve quickly are usually not serious. However, if the sensation is persistent, worsening or accompanied by weakness, pain or loss of sensation, medical assessment is important. Sudden onset of pins and needles along with other neurological symptoms should prompt urgent medical attention.

Managing Pins and Needles

For temporary pins and needles caused by posture or pressure, simply changing position usually provides relief. Stretching and gentle movement can help restore normal sensation. If caused by an underlying condition, treating that condition is essential.

Summary

Pins and needles occur when nerves are compressed or irritated, often due to pressure or poor circulation. While usually temporary and harmless, persistent or severe symptoms may signal nerve damage or medical conditions requiring professional evaluation.