What are pins and needles?
Pins and needles is a feeling of tingling, prickling, or numbness in the skin. It is caused by pressure on the nerves. When the pressure is released, the feeling goes away. Pins and needles can happen when you sit or stand in one position for too long. This can cause the blood to flow less freely to that part of your body. As a result, the nerves there can become irritated. Pins and needles can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have pins and needles frequently, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying health problems.
Pins and needles sensation: Causes and mechanisms
The pins and needles sensation is a common complaint that can have many different causes. The most common cause is pressure on a nerve, which can be due to an injury, inflammation, or compression. Other causes include poor circulation, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medical conditions.
The mechanism behind the pins and needles sensation is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to the compression of small blood vessels that supply the affected nerve. This compression decreases blood flow and oxygenation to the nerve, which results in the characteristic tingling sensation. In some cases, the nerve may also be damaged, leading to more permanent numbness or weakness. If you are experiencing pins and needles sensations regularly, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Associated conditions
There are a few potential causes of pins and needles. Simply resting on an arm or leg for too long cuts off circulation. This is why pins and needles often happen when sitting in the same position for a while. Another common cause is nerve compression. This can occur when we sleep on our arms awkwardly or wear shoes that are too tight and compress the nerves in our feet. Pins and needles can also be caused by more serious conditions like diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, or even a heart attack. If you experience pins and needles frequently, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any of these more serious causes.
When to seek medical help
If the sensation of pins and needles lasts more than a few minutes, it is important to seek medical help. This is because it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as nerve damage. If you experience pins and needles along with other symptoms, such as weakness or numbness in the affected limb, it is crucial to see a doctor.
Conclusion
When you sit on your leg for too long or wear a pair of shoes that are too tight, you may feel a pins-and-needles sensation. The compression of the nerves causes this feeling. The compression cuts off the nerve's supply of blood, which causes the nerve to send signals to your brain that it is being injured. Pins and needles is a common and usually harmless condition. However, if the sensation lasts for more than a few minutes, or if it is accompanied by muscle weakness, numbness, or pain, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, and you should see a doctor.