Pins and needles
Introduction
Pins and needles (paraesthesia)is a pricking, burning, tingling or numbing sensation that'susually felt in the arms, legs, hands or feet.
It doesn't usually cause any pain, but it can cause numbness or Pruritus .
Pins and needles is usuallytemporary, but can sometimes be long-lasting (chronic).
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016
Introduction
Read about pins and needles (paraesthesia), a pricking, burning, tingling or numbing sensation that is usually felt in the arms, legs, hands or feet.
Temporary pins and needles
Most people have temporary pins and needles from time to time. It happens when pressure is applied to a part of the body, which cuts off the blood supply to the nerves in that area. This prevents the
Long-lasting pins and needles
Sometimes, pins and needles can occur over a long period of time. It can be a sign of a wide range of health conditions, including: diabetes a condition in whichthere is too much glucose in the bl
When to see your GP
Most cases of pins and needles are temporary and the sensation disappears afterthe pressure istaken off the affected area. See your GPif you constantlyhave pins and needles or ifit keeps coming back.
Other causes
Long-lastingpins and needles may also be caused by: a condition that damages the nervous systemsuch as a stroke , multiple sclerosis or in extremely rare cases, a brain tumour exposure to toxic s
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