Everyone has had that dreaded ‘pins and needles’ sensation not less than once of their life. Ever wondered what causes it? More importantly, is it an indication of some underlying disease?

The medical term for the condition is paresthesia. The feeling mostly emerges in hands, arms, legs, or feet. It’s also commonly often called a limb “falling asleep.”

Listed here are the explanations for paresthesia.

Poor circulation

“Limbs go to sleep partly as a result of  poor circulation ,” Fred Pescatore, a family physician based in Recent York City, noted, Prevention.com reported.

Blood circulation ensures that the nerves get oxygen and nutrients through blood vessels, and by extension, so do the organs. So, when a limb is deprived of blood flow for an prolonged time frame, it ends in that pins and needles feeling.

Pressure 

“A standard cause will be pressure on a selected a part of arms or legs, which could cause compression of nerves,” Dr. Pescatore said, as per the outlet.

This normally happens when the person stays able for a very long time. 

“When our nerves or blood vessels are compressed, like after we sit cross-legged, it might probably compromise the power of the nerve to transmit impulses back to the central nervous system,” Pescatore added. “The brain interprets these abnormal signals because the pins and needles sensation we feel.”

Medical condition

Based on Dr. Pescatore, frequent pins and needles could also be an indication of an underlying condition reminiscent of  nerve damage, diabetes, and alcohol abuse. Furthermore, paresthesia can also be a symptom of stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions, per MedicalNewsToday.

Learn how to stop or treat pins and needles?

“Changing positions can normally restore normal feeling, because the nerves start sending messages to the brain and spinal cord again,” Dr. Pescatore suggested.

Moreover, maintaining good posture and body positioning can assist alleviate pressure on the nerves, in keeping with MedicalNewsToday.

“Rise up. Shake your arms or legs to get the blood flowing. Which will initially magnify the pins and needles sensation, however it gets higher from there,” Pescatore added. “Move around. Stretch! In the event you are feeling the feeling in your legs or feet, change your shoes. Wiggle your toes and spread your fingers out and in. This can assist bring back blood flow and ease the nerves. If pins and needles persist, try a warm compress over the realm to advertise circulation.”

Should you are worried about pins and needles?

Occasional episodes of pins and needles will not be a cause for concern. Nonetheless, if the condition becomes frequent, it’s advisable to get it checked because it “could also be an indication of more serious conditions, reminiscent of nerve injury,” Pescatore said.