Pins And Needles. -

What is the cause of pins and needles?

Pins and needles, also known as paresthesia, is a tingling, pricking, or numbness sensation that can occur anywhere on the body. It is caused by pressure on a nerve, which cuts off the blood supply therefore prevents the nerve from sending signals to the brain.

There are many different things that can cause pins and needles, including:

Sitting or lying in a cramped position for too long. This can put pressure on nerves in your arms, legs, and back.
Crossing your legs. This can put pressure on the peroneal nerve in your leg.
Wearing tight shoes or socks. This can put pressure on nerves in your feet.
Repetitive movements. This can damage nerves in your hands and wrists, leading to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Injuries. An injury to a nerve can cause pins and needles in the area that the nerve supplies.
Certain medical conditions. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and stroke, can damage nerves and cause pins and needles.

In most cases, pins and needles are harmless and go away on their own within a few minutes. However, if you experience pins and needles on a regular basis, or if it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or weakness, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

There are a number of things that people can do in order to prevent paresthesia, such as:

Avoiding repetitive movements: If you have a job or hobby that requires repetitive movements, try to take breaks often. Also, you can change the way you do the task to reduce the amount of repetition.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight can put pressure on nerves, which can also lead to paresthesia.
Managing blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes, it is important to manage your blood sugar levels carefully as this will help to prevent nerve damage and paresthesia.
Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can also help to ensure that you are getting the nutrients that your nerves need.
Exercising regularly: Exercise helps to improve blood circulation and nerve health.
Avoiding smoking: Smoking can damage nerves and therefore increase the risk of paresthesia.

If you experience paresthesia, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. With the right treatment, most people with paresthesia can make a full recovery.