What causes pins and needles?
Transient occurance Transient paresthesia is the temporary sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness of the skin — “pins and needles.” It is usually felt in the extremities (hands, arms, legs, or feet), but can also occur in other parts of the body. This temporary sensation is usually caused by inadvertent pressure placed on a superficial nerve. The sensation gradually goes away once the pressure is relieved. Chronic condition Chronic paresthesia indicates a problem with the functioning of nerve cells, or neurons. This malfunction, which is especially common in older individuals, is often the result of poor circulation in the limbs (such as in peripheral vascular disease), or may be caused by atherosclerosis—the build up of plaque on artery walls. Without a proper supply of blood and nutrients, nerve cells can no longer adequately send signals to the brain. Because of this, paresthesia is also a symptom of vitamin deficiency and malnutrition, as well as metabolic disorders like dia
