Pins & Needles Sensation in Legs

Many people experience a sensation in their legs called "pins and needles." Those who hear the term and are familiar with the sensation may realize that the condition has something to do with nerves and/or circulation. As it turns out, there are several causes of the odd phenomenon of pins and needles in the legs 1.

Features

What is commonly referred to as the "pins and needles" sensation is clinically referred to as paraesthesia 1. The most common description is a tingling, pricking sensation that can range from mild and annoying to downright painful. Often, these pricking sensations are accompanied by a feeling of numbness or heaviness. Because of this, the affected area is sometimes referred to as "asleep."

Common Causes

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Most people have experienced the pins and needles sensation at some time in their lives 1. The main culprit behind the sensation is pressure exerted on the nerves in the body. For example: When a person sits cross-legged (or some variation of this position) for an extended amount of time, paraesthesia often occurs because excess weight is placed on nerves in the legs. When the legs are stretched out, the numbness is replaced by the pricking sensations, which is actually resumed communication between the nerves and the spinal column. This sensation can also be felt when blood circulation to the area is compromised. Again, this is usually remedied by altering position.

Warning

It is quite common to have an occasional bout of paraesthesia. However, it should not be ignored when it occurs frequently or persistently. Chronic pins and needles can sometimes be indicative of nerve damage or the progression of a neurological disorder 1. Because treatment is determined by the underlying cause, it is extremely important to seek the advice of physician when frequent bouts of pins and needles occur in the legs 1.

Sciatica

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Sciatica is a condition that results from irritation of the sciatic nerves. These nerves, the largest in the body, are located in the lower back and extend down the entire length of the legs. Common sources of irritation are herniated discs, spinal stenosis and bone conditions such as osteoporosis. Regardless of the source, sciatica can cause severe paraesthesia in the legs, which can be very painful. Treatments for sciatica may include at-home physical therapy exercises, pain medications and surgery, depending on the source of sciatic irritation.

Toxic Substances

Sometimes the pins and needles sensation in the legs is indicative of chemically induced nerve damage 1. Occasionally, this nerve damage can result from certain prescription medications. More often, however, it is the result of toxins such as lead and mercury. Excessive consumption of alcohol over a prolonged period of time is known to cause damage to the nervous system. Alcohol-induced nerve damage is known as peripheral neuropathy.

Effects

In non-serious cases, pins and needles is no more than an irritating occurrence that goes away on its own 1. In the case of neurological disorders and nerve damage, the long-term effects on the legs and the nervous system depend greatly upon the specific disorder and the prescribed course of treatment. As with most medical conditions, the best results stem from problems that are caught early. This is why it is important to discuss pins and needles with a doctor should the problem become persistent 1.