Pins and Needles & Numbness – Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Key Points

Pins and needles (paraesthesia) and numbness are signs of nerve irritation, compression, or systemic conditions.
Can affect upper limbs (neck, shoulder, wrist, hand) or lower limbs (back, hip, leg, foot).
Causes include musculoskeletal compression, vitamin B12 deficiency, and diabetic neuropathy.
At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic we assess posture, movement, and systemic factors — using diagnostic ultrasound for limb nerve entrapments — to provide clear answers and treatment.

What Are Pins and Needles?

Pins and needles (paraesthesia) happen when nerves are compressed, irritated, or deprived of nutrients.

Short-lived (e.g. crossing your legs) → usually harmless.
Persistent or recurrent → may indicate a musculoskeletal or neurological condition.

They can occur in:

Upper limb: neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand
Lower limb: back, buttock, leg, foot, toes

Symptoms

Tingling, buzzing, or “electric shock” sensations
Loss of sensation or “dead limb” feeling
Weakness or heaviness in the arm or leg
Pain radiating along a nerve pathway
Symptoms triggered by posture, exercise, or rest

Causes & Risk Factors

Upper Limb Causes

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow)
Cervical Radiculopathy
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Lower Limb Causes

Sciatica
Disc Herniation
Piriformis Syndrome
Nerve entrapments around hip, knee, or ankle

Systemic Causes

Vitamin B12 deficiency – essential for healthy nerve conduction; low B12 can cause widespread tingling, numbness, and fatigue.
Diabetic neuropathy – high blood sugar damages small nerves, often starting with tingling and numbness in the feet (stocking-glove distribution).
Thyroid dysfunction or other metabolic conditions.

Dermatomes – Understanding Nerve Patterns

Pins and needles often follow dermatome maps — the specific skin areas supplied by spinal nerves.

Neck (cervical) → tingling into shoulders, arms, or hands
Back (lumbar) → symptoms into thighs, calves, or feet
Thoracic spine → band-like tingling around ribs or chest

👉 Recognising these patterns helps us distinguish between a local entrapment (e.g. carpal tunnel) and a spinal cause (e.g. cervical radiculopathy).

Red Flags – When to Seek Urgent Help

Seek immediate medical help if:

Pins and needles/numbness spreads rapidly or affects both sides
Loss of bladder or bowel control with leg numbness (possible cauda equina)
Severe weakness develops suddenly
Tingling follows chest pain or shortness of breath (possible cardiac event)

Diagnosis at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Osteopathic assessment – posture, movement, and nerve testing
Diagnostic ultrasound – for limb nerve entrapments (wrist, elbow, ankle)
Blood testing – via our health checks to investigate B12 deficiency, diabetes, thyroid function
Referral for MRI / neurology – where spinal or systemic causes are suspected

Self-Help

Maintain good posture at work and during exercise
Take regular breaks from sitting or repetitive tasks
Stretch neck, shoulders, and lower back
Manage blood sugar if diabetic, ensure adequate B12 intake through diet or supplements (as advised)
Supportive shoes and ergonomic setup for daily activities

Treatment at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic treatment – mobilisation, nerve glides, postural correction
✅ Exercise rehab – restore nerve mobility, strengthen supporting muscles
✅ Sports massage – release tight muscles contributing to nerve compression
✅ Diagnostic ultrasound – to confirm entrapments and monitor progress
✅ Blood tests – for B12, thyroid, and diabetic screening
✅ Referral pathways – to neurology or endocrinology if systemic cause identified

FAQs – Pins and Needles & Numbness

Q: Could my pins and needles be due to vitamin deficiency?
Yes. Low B12 or folate can cause tingling and nerve irritation, which we can test for.

Q: Is diabetes linked to numbness?
Yes. Diabetic neuropathy is a common cause, usually starting in the feet. Early detection and management are key.

Q: Why do symptoms follow lines on my arm or leg?
That’s the dermatome pattern of spinal nerves. It helps us identify whether the issue is in your neck, back, or limb.

Q: Can you scan for nerve problems?
Yes — ultrasound is excellent for limb entrapments (wrist, elbow, ankle). MRI is used for spinal causes.

Book Your Appointment

Don’t ignore persistent pins and needles or numbness. Book a nerve and neuropathy assessment in Bromley today for diagnosis, reassurance, and tailored care.

📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available

Book Your Appointment Today