Medical Questions » Nerves Questions » Question No. 725
| Question: | I keep getting pins and needles in my arm. What could cause this problem? |
| Answer: | Pins and needles (or paraesthesia as doctors call it) is almost invariably due to the pinching of a nerve. In your situation, one of the nerves running from your neck to the hand is being pinched. The most likely areas for this to occur are in the neck, the armpit or at the elbow.
The ' funny bone' in your elbow is actually a nerve that is close to the surface of the body. If this is hit lightly, you will experience a tingling (or pins and needles) sensation down your arm. If it is hit hard, or compressed for a long time, the tingling will become pain. In treating this condition, doctors will ask you to precisely outline the area of your arm affected, and from this, the point at which the nerve is being pinched can often be determined. X-rays of this area are then taken to detect any arthritis or other disease.
Treatment will depend on the cause, but may include anti-inflammatory medications, slings, splints and physiotherapy. Rarely, surgery is necessary. Other causes of pins and needles can include severe anaemia, diabetes and some psychiatric conditions.
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