![]() It is important to stop the activities that are causing the nerve compression to allow the tissues to heal. Rest is commonly recommended for a pinched nerve. A medical professional will suggest the most suitable option. People with back pain, those who have diabetes or people who use vibrating tools are more prone to develop the problem.Share on Pinterest A brace may be recommended to treat paresthesia, alongside rest to allow the tissue to heal. You can get numbness/pins and needles by putting pressure on a part of your body, like wearing tight shoes or sitting on your foot. Who might be affected by pins and needles? Pressure on nerves, due to back and neck problems, is very common.ĭiabetes is the most common cause of persistent numbness/pins and needles. You will need to find the underlying cause and try to address it if possible. Further tests of your heart and nervous system may be necessary. You may be asked to have a blood test to check for diabetes, anaemia and vitamin B12 levels. Your nervous system will be checked and you may be asked whether you can feel a pinprick or other sensations in your limbs. They will check your heart, including your blood pressure and pulses in your wrists and feet. Is there any obvious cause? Have you started new medication? Do you drink a lot of alcohol? Do you have diabetes? These details will help the doctor to make a diagnosis. The doctor will want to know more about the length of the periods of numbness/pins and needles to aid diagnosis and treatment. Most cases will be managed by your GP but you may be referred to a hospital for further investigation and treatment. You may be asked to keep a diary of the circumstances in which they happened. ![]() Treatment will depend on the likely cause of your numbness/pins and needles. The lack of vitamin B12 causes anaemia and nerve damage. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common among very elderly people, vegans and people with a condition called pernicious anaemia. These conditions are serious but relatively rare and will all cause other symptoms in addition to the numbness/pins and needles. These include stroke, multiple sclerosis and brain tumours. Many medical conditions can damage the nervous system and cause areas of numbness or pins and needles. The medicines include some chemotherapy medicines used to treat breast cancer and lymphoma, antiretrovirals used to treat HIV/AIDS, and the antibiotic metronidazole. It is usually reversible when the medicine is stopped. People who use vibrating tools a lot may also develop nerve damage and may experience pins and needles. Injuryĭamage to nerve endings in fingers or toes can be the result of an injury. Being unable to feel anything in your hands and feet can be dangerous, as you may stumble, drop things or not realise when you are touching something hot. This can cause pins and needles, pain or numbness in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy). Diabetesĭiabetes can damage small blood vessels that supply nerves in fingers and toes. Other examples are thoracic outlet syndrome and spinal stenosis. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a trapped nerve at the wrist, giving you pins and needles and pain in the hand and loss of grip. A trapped nerve in the neck can also cause numbness or pins and needles anywhere from your neck, down your arms and into your fingers. A slipped disc or back problem can put pressure on a nerve that travels from your spinal cord, down your leg and into your toes. Numbness or pins and needles can also be due to a trapped nerve. Persistent numbness of the hands can affect your grip and make you prone to burns and injury. Persistent numbness of the feet can lead to falls which can be serious in the elderly. In all other cases, you should see your GP. If you have lots of attacks, or you hurt yourself because of the numbness, your GP may want you to see a specialist. You should also go if you have signs of a neurological disease (worsening loss of power or sensation in part of the body, difficulty walking, falls). If the attacks of numbness/pins and needles recur or you do not make a complete recovery, you should see your doctor soon to seek medical information. You should dial 999/112/911 to call an ambulance if you notice you have a loss of power down one side of your body (a possible stroke). When should I be worried about pins and needles? If in doubt, contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Avoid vitamin B12 deficiency by eating a mixed diet or have a blood test to check whether you need supplements.ĭriving is not a problem for simple numbness/pins and needles but restrictions apply if the situation is more complicated or if diagnosis is less clear.Control diabetes, if you have it, with diet, medication and regular check-ups. ![]()
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