Pins and needles

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.

Conditions

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:

• Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia
• 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

Page last reviewed: 04 January 2024
Next review due: 04 January 2027