Pins and needles are something everyone experiences every now and then, but what actually are they and when can they be a symptom of something dangerous?
It's the pricking sensation we're all familiar with - it burns, pokes, and makes people hop around like they’re dancing when the condition strikes a person’s feet or legs.
Typically, pins and needles are harmless and strike when 'the blood supply to the nerves is cut off’.
Mostly, this happens when we sleep or sit on something for too long, and it fixes itself as soon as weight is taken off the body part so that the blood supply can return to normal.
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It’s an annoying feeling, but if it doesn’t go away or it’s accompanied by something else, sometimes it can be a sign of a serious condition that needs urgent care.
Namely, compartment syndrome.
What is compartment syndrome?
According to the NHS, ‘compartment syndrome is an increase in pressure inside a muscle, which restricts blood flow and causes pain’.
If this happens suddenly (sudden compartment syndrome), then it might need urgent treatment.
Symptoms of compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome can feel like a pain in a muscle that burns or is a deep ache.
You might also find it hurts more to move, there's swelling or the muscle bulges.
Numbness, weakness or pins and needles, tightness or difficulty moving the area are also common signs.
Usually, if the symptoms come on gradually, you can simply avoid the activity, try anti-inflammatory painkillers, have physiotherapy or use inserts (orthotics) in your shoes if you plan to run.
However, if it happens often, you’ll have what is known as chronic compartment syndrome, which involves physiotherapy, pain management and adapting your lifestyle.
But if the symptoms are sudden...it’s a different story.
What is sudden (acute) compartment syndrome?
This syndrome is a medical emergency which requires urgent surgery to relieve the pressure within the muscle, called a fasciotomy.
A fasciotomy is the process of making cuts around the muscle to release pressure. Sometimes, skin grafts are also used to close the wound.
From there, you might need physiotherapy.
How is it diagnosed?
The NHS diagnoses compartment syndrome via an X-ray and an MRI while you exercise.
There is also the compartment pressure measurement, which involves ‘a needle connected to a pressure monitoring device’ which is then ‘inserted into your muscle before and after exercise to measure the pressure inside it’.
However, this is usually ‘only recommended if your symptoms and other test results suggest compartment syndrome.’
If you feel like you have any of the above symptoms, it’s important that you contact your GP for advice.
What are some other medical causes of pins and needles?
- Hyperventilation
- Sciatica
- Multiple sclerosis
- Some medicines or treatments, like chemotherapy
- A trapped nerve
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Poor diet
Britt Jones