Pins and needles in the legs and feet
Updated - August 21, 2023Most of us have had the sensation of pins and needles happen a few times in our lifetime. We’ve likely experienced it when we fall asleep on our arms or cross our legs for too long.
Occasional pins and needles feeling is probably nothing to worry about. However, when pins and needles happen regularly, and start interfering with your daily life, it’s time to evaluate the problem. If pins and needles occur in your legs, for instance, it can affect your ability to walk or stand safely.
Symptoms associated with pins and needles
Persistent pins and needles pain can affect your quality of life, so it is useful to know the possible causes. Common symptoms of pins and needles (also known medically as paresthesia) include:
- Tingling sensation
- Prickling or itching feeling
- Burning or aching pain
- Numbness
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Tingling and numbness in the feet are common symptoms of poor circulation, medically diagnosed as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
PAD happens when there is a build-up of plaque or cholesterol in your arteries, reducing blood supply to the nerves and causing poor circulation.
As your circulation reduces, you may experience frequent pins and needles sensations - a warning sign that you need to get the blood flowing better and improve the circulation in your body. You might also have other leg pains, and the colour of the skin on your legs and feet might change.
When there is poor circulation, fluid often builds up in the lower legs. This can put pressure on the nerves causing the pins and needles. Over time, the fluid build-up and reduced circulation can damage the nerves in your legs and feet.
Revitive® Circulation Booster® has been demonstrated to deliver clinical benefits for people medically diagnosed with PAD and is indicated to:
- Reduce pain and discomfort in the legs, ankles, and feet caused by poor circulation (Peripheral Arterial Disease).
- Improve circulation in the legs caused by Peripheral Arterial Disease.
- Increase walking distance before the onset of claudication symptoms (pain) caused by Peripheral Arterial Disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes is another common cause of pins and needles because the disease damages the small blood vessels in your extremities. According to Better Health Victoria, half of the people with diabetes will develop neuropathy1.
It’s important to address this problem, medically known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, because neuropathy can cause nerve damage. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms can range from the unpleasant sensation of chronic pins and needles, numbness or burning sensation to pain and discomfort.
The Revitive Medic Circulation Booster devices have been demonstrated to deliver clinical benefits for people medically diagnosed with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and is indicated to:
- Reduce pain and discomfort in the legs, ankles, feet caused by Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.
- Improve circulation to reduce or prevent blood-pooling (stasis) caused by diabetes.
What are the other causes of pins and needles?
This list isn’t exhaustive, and there are other causes of pins and needles. Talk to your doctor to help you determine the cause of your symptoms.
- Being overweight
- Vitamin deficiency
- Heavy drinking
How to improve your circulation
Going for daily walks and moving around more is good for your health. If you haven’t been walking, start slow – even just a few minutes a day is better than none at all – and slowly work up to 30 minutes of walking every day.
Before you start any exercise, especially if you have not been active physically, talk to your doctor about a safe walking programme. More exercise and a balanced diet might also help you get to a healthier weight if needed- lessening the stress on your nerves and further improving your circulation.
Eat a balanced, healthy diet
Ask your doctor about the best dietary approach if you have diabetes or deficiencies in certain nutrients. For instance, a low-fat, low-sugar, and high-fiber diet is good for diabetics.
If you have a low Vitamin B12 level, eat a diet rich in B12, including meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, and yogurt. A dietician can help you plan healthy nutritious meals.
Avoid or reduce alcohol intake
Alcohol has a detrimental effect on your nerves and can lead to the symptoms of neuropathy, such as tingling and pins and needles. If you quit drinking alcohol, you may relieve your current symptoms and prevent further deterioration.
