Have you ever felt a strange tingling, prickling, or “crawling” feeling in your hands, feet, legs, or arms—like tiny needles poking you? That feeling is what many people call pins and needles. It’s common and usually harmless, but sometimes it can be a sign of a health problem.
In this article, we’ll explain what pins and needles really are, what causes them, when you should worry, and how to treat or prevent them.
What Are Pins and Needles?
Pins and needles are a tingling or numb feeling in part of your body, often felt in hands or feet. It’s also called paresthesia (pronounced “pair-es-THEE-zhuh”). It usually happens when a nerve is pressed or blood flow is reduced for a short time.
This feeling is often described as:
- Tingling or prickling
- Numbness
- A “buzzing” or “crawling” sensation
- Weakness in the affected area
What Causes Pins and Needles?
Most of the time, pins and needles are caused by pressure on a nerve or reduced blood flow. Causes include:
1. Poor Blood Flow
When blood doesn’t reach your nerves properly, it can cause tingling. This may happen if you sit or sleep in one position for too long or have health problems that affect blood circulation.
2. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
Damage to the nerves can cause constant pins and needles. This is common in people with:
Diabetes
Infections
Injuries
Alcohol abuse
Vitamin B12 deficiency
3. Vitamin Deficiencies
Lack of certain vitamins—especially B12, B1, B6, or E—can lead to nerve problems that cause tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or legs.
4. Diabetes
High blood sugar can damage nerves over time. Tingling, especially in the feet and hands, is a common early sign of diabetic neuropathy.
5. Pinched Nerves
A nerve can get pressed in the neck, back, or wrist (like in carpal tunnel syndrome), causing tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
6. Infections
Some infections that affect the nerves—like shingles, HIV, or Lyme disease—can cause tingling.
7. Anxiety or Stress
When you’re very anxious or stressed, your body may overreact and cause strange sensations, including pins and needles, especially in your hands, feet, or face.
8. Medications
Some drugs—especially those used for cancer, HIV, or seizures—can cause nerve side effects like tingling or numbness.
9. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is a disease where the immune system attacks the nerves. One of the early signs is tingling or numbness in different parts of the body.
10. Stroke or Mini-Stroke (TIA)
Sudden tingling on one side of the body, especially with weakness or trouble speaking, could be a sign of stroke. This is a medical emergency.
11. Thyroid Problems
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to nerve damage, causing pins and needles, especially in the arms and legs.
12. Heavy Alcohol Use
Drinking too much alcohol over time can damage nerves and cause tingling, especially in the legs and feet.
13. Autoimmune Diseases
Diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation that affects the nerves, leading to tingling or numbness.
14. Chemotherapy
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can damage nerves and lead to tingling in the hands and feet.
Additional Common Causes of Pins and Needles
- Sitting or Sleeping in One Position Too Long
Crossing your legs or sleeping on your arm can squeeze nerves and reduce blood flow. When you move again, the nerves “wake up,” causing the tingling. - Poor Posture
Slouching or bending your neck for too long (like looking at your phone) can press on nerves and lead to pins and needles. - Repetitive Movements
Doing the same motion over and over—like typing or writing—can put pressure on nerves in your wrists or arms. - Cold Weather
Cold temperatures can narrow blood vessels, slowing blood flow and making your hands or feet feel numb or tingly. - Temporary Nerve Compression
A tight shoe or a cast can press on nerves and cause tingling in your foot or hand.
When Is It a Sign of a Medical Problem?
If pins and needles happen often, last a long time, or come with other symptoms, it may be a sign of a health condition. Some medical causes include:
- Diabetes – Can damage nerves over time (diabetic neuropathy).
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Pressure on the wrist nerve from repetitive hand movements.
- Pinched Nerve in the Neck or Back – Can cause tingling in arms, hands, legs, or feet.
- Vitamin Deficiency – Lack of B12 or other nutrients can affect nerves.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – A disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.
- Stroke or Mini-Stroke (TIA) – Sudden numbness or weakness in one part of the body can be a warning sign.
- Infections or Autoimmune Diseases – Some conditions can attack the nerves.
How to Treat Pins and Needles
Short-term pins and needles usually go away on their own once you change position or move around. Here are some simple things that help:
- Shake or move the affected body part.
- Stretch or stand up to improve blood flow.
- Avoid sitting or sleeping in positions that press on nerves.
For long-term or frequent pins and needles, treatment depends on the cause:
- Manage diabetes carefully if you have it.
- Take vitamin supplements if you have a deficiency (especially B12).
- Use wrist support or take breaks from typing if you have carpal tunnel.
- See a doctor if you suspect a nerve problem, stroke, or another condition.
How to Prevent Pins and Needles
- Change positions often while sitting or sleeping.
- Avoid crossing your legs for long periods.
- Stretch and take breaks if you work on a computer or phone.
- Wear comfortable shoes that don’t pinch your feet.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins.
When to See a Doctor
You should talk to a doctor if:
- Pins and needles happen often or without reason.
- The feeling doesn’t go away after a few minutes.
- You also feel pain, weakness, or muscle loss.
- You notice sudden numbness on one side of the body (could be a stroke).
Conclusion
Pins and needles are usually not serious and go away quickly. But if they keep happening or last too long, they could be a sign of something more. Always listen to your body. Knowing the cause can help you treat it early and avoid future problems. So next time you feel that tingly sensation, don’t ignore it—your body may be trying to tell you something important.
