By Robin Westen
There’s an excellent chance you’ve experienced the feeling of “pins and needles” an uncomfortable tingling in your hands or feet. Although usually nothing to worry about, the sensation could indicate a serious condition. That why it’s a good idea tosee your doctor for a thorough medical investigation if you experience persistent or frequent episodes of numbness or pins and needles. Here'w what you need to know about the types of pins and needles and their causes:.
Pressure: When a nerve is pressed by being in a cramped or awkward position, the affected limb “falls asleep.” When you move and “wake it up” you may experience an uncomfortable prickling sensation which is caused by restarting the pain messages from your nerves to your brain. The feeling usually passes quickly and is nothing to worry about.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: There’s a main nerve that services your hand and runs through a ring of wrist bones. When it becomes inflamed and swollen, tendon membranes reduce the amount of room inside the wrist and squash the nerve. Symptoms include pins and needles as well as pain and weakness.
Cervical nerve root irritation: When the nerves in the neck become compressed as the result of inflammation, injury or outgrowths called “spurs,” a frequent result is the sensation of pins and needles. The feeling can also spread to the arms.
