Pins and needles

Everyone can get pins and needles but see a GP if you keep getting it or it lasts a long time.

What is pins and needles?

Pins and needles feels like a pricking, tingling or numbness sensation.

It happens when the blood supply to the nerves is cut off. This is usually when you sit or sleep on part of your body. It only lasts a few minutes.

You often get pins and needles in your:

• arms
• hands
• legs
• feet

It usually stops when the weight is taken off the body part and your blood supply returns to the nerves.

See a GP if:

• you constantly have pins and needles
• it keeps coming back

Any treatment you might need for pins and needles will depend on the cause.

Possible causes of pins and needles

There are some possible medical causes of pins and needles. If you have other symptoms this might help to find the cause.

But do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.

Long-lasting pins and needles may also be caused by:

• treatments – such as chemotherapy
• some medicines – such as HIV medicine, medicine to prevent seizures, or some antibiotics
• toxic substances – such as lead or radiation
• poor diet
• a trapped nerve in your back or neck
• nerve damage – after an injury or illness
• drinking too much alcohol