Why do we get 'pins and needles'?

Publish Date
Wednesday, 15 February 2017, 10:44AM

Everyone has experienced that tingling sensation in their hands or feet.

We call it “pins and needles” because it feels like someone is raking your skin with hundreds of tiny little pointy objects. But what causes it?

The sensation itself is properly referred to as “paresthesia.”

The tingling is a cry of suffocation, as the nerves themselves aren’t receiving the oxygenated blood they need from your heart.

If you leave a limb in a position that constricts or otherwise impairs blood circulation, the limb’s malnourished nerves will start to malfunction.

Like crimping a garden hose to prevent the flow of water, your leg or arm subsequently "falls asleep" and you experience tingling, pain, or numbness in the blood-deprived area as your sensory neurons fail.

Luckily it doesn't last very long - just get back up and moving and your day will be saved!

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