Dear LPG,

I would think that nearly everyone knows what it is, but how many people suffer regularly?  I am talking about the condition that most of us call pins and needles. I have always experienced it and thought of it as being the annoying feeling in my hands or feet that I wake up with, although it does come on at other times during the day, it does not last too long  and I would say that I get it a couple of times a week. 

Now days, if there is a problem (and enough time) it is always a good idea to Google it, and so I did and I found out that it is not that uncommon really.  More than anything I wanted to know if regular pins and needles should be ignored or considered dangerous.

I have learned that it is connected with the nerves in hands and feet and is not necessarily age related.  It can be a warning of many conditions especially if the feeling lasts for a relatively long time in spite of attempts to shake it.   Without trying to alarm anyone unduly, I have read that it could pre-empt conditions such as the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, over indulgence with alcohol, or it could even be an early warning signalling Diabetes.  

However, if you suffer first thing in the morning it is likely that you trap or pinch your nerves, limiting the supply of blood to them, because of the position that you sleep in and the feeling can be thought of as a warning of that. 

I have never really thought that it could be a warning sign and I am not sure what is meant by getting it regularly or for long periods.  

When I am affected, I stretch and clench my fingers or toes and rub the affected area until the feeling subsides but I also learned that another way to get rid of pins and needles in your hands is to sit yourself up and just gently rock your head from side to side (I have tried this and want to put emphasis on the word gently!).  I was surprised but I tried it and it does work (…well for me anyway). 

I am not trying to alarm anyone and I don’t feel seriously worried myself but, now that I know what I know, I think I will just mention it when I next go to see my GP. 

I thought I should share my concern because while it may be nothing… you can’t be too careful.

MR, Mottingham.

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