Pins and needles in my hands
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Understanding Pins and Needles in Hands: Causes and Insights
Common Causes of Pins and Needles in Hands
Physical Activity and Occupational Strain
Pins and needles in the hands can often be attributed to physical activity and occupational strain. For instance, a 20-year-old man experienced these symptoms, which were exacerbated by his physically demanding job as a joiner. His symptoms worsened after busy days, indicating a potential link between strenuous activity and the onset of paresthesias1. Similarly, another case involved a manual worker who reported discomfort and pins and needles in the hand, particularly aggravated by activities like using a screwdriver2.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a well-known cause of pins and needles in the hands. A 50-year-old typist experienced numbness, burning sensations, and weakness in her right hand, which are classic symptoms of CTS3. This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, leading to these sensory disturbances.
Thoracic Inlet Syndrome
Thoracic inlet syndrome, also known as thoracic outlet syndrome, can present with neurological symptoms such as pins and needles, numbness, and pain in the arms and hands. This condition is often seen in individuals who engage in activities requiring sustained overhead positions, such as weight lifters and carpenters6. The symptoms are typically worse with prolonged overhead activity and poor posture.
Vascular and Neurological Factors
The sensation of pins and needles can also result from vascular and neurological factors. For example, the release of a constricting cuff that cuts off blood supply to a limb can lead to this sensation. This phenomenon is due to the stimulation of peripheral nerve endings in the affected area7. Additionally, conditions like diabetes and other systemic illnesses can cause paresthesias in various parts of the body, including the hands5.
Specific Case Studies and Observations
Anomalous Accessory Palmaris Longus Muscle
An unusual case involved a 20-year-old male with a swelling at the right wrist joint, leading to discomfort and pins and needles in the ulnar border of the hand and little finger. The symptoms were aggravated by strenuous activities, suggesting that anatomical anomalies can also contribute to these sensations2.
Needlestick and Sharps Injuries
Orthopedic surgeons are at risk of needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs), which can cause pins and needles in the hands. A study identified that suture needles and orthopedic devices like pins and wires were common culprits of NSIs, highlighting the occupational hazards faced by surgeons4.
Conclusion
Pins and needles in the hands can arise from various causes, including physical activity, occupational strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic inlet syndrome, vascular and neurological factors, and anatomical anomalies. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of the symptoms. If you experience persistent or severe pins and needles, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to determine the specific cause and appropriate treatment.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Young Man with Pins and Needles
20-year-old man was referred to neurology clinic for pins and needles in both hands. Symptoms started 6 months ago. Symptoms were provoked by physical activity and became much worse after busy day; he worked hard as a joiner. He was referred as a suspected diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). He did not have any other symptoms. On objective examination reflexes were present and not increased; apart from absent ankle jerks bilaterally. Plantars were negative. Muscle strength was normal. There were no sphincter symptoms. He did not have any symptoms on examination but paresthesias in his hands did not seem to respect any particular dermatome. Vibration sense was reduced in legs (ankle level) but light touch and pin prick were normal. Cranial nerves were normal and there was no ataxia.
Case ReportAn Anomalous Accessory Palmaris Longus Muscle
An abnormal accessory palmaris longus muscle in the wrist may cause severe hand discomfort and numbness, aggravated by strenuous activities and supportive wrist straps.
Case ReportThe Hand Patient: Garpal Tunnel Syndrome
Garpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of hand pain and numbness, and can be effectively treated with physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Case ReportCharacteristics of needlestick and sharps injuries of the hands in the operating room among orthopedic surgeons in Japan
Orthopedic surgeons are at risk of needlestick and sharps injuries, with suture needles being the most common cause and pins/wires being second.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalFormication, tactile hallucinations, delusional parasitosis, and Morgellons: Enough to make your skin crawl.
Morgellons is a parasitic disease that causes itching, burning, prickling, tingling, or "pins and needles" sensations in the body, often in the form of small, circular, scaly lesions.
THE THORACIC INLET SYNDROME.
The throracic inlet syndrome is a common condition affecting the upper extremities, with symptoms worsening during sustained overhead activity or positions.
Case ReportA young man with numbness in arms and legs
Numbness in arms and legs in a 40-year-old man developed slowly and spread to his chest and thighs, but no other symptoms were present.
Case ReportCally's carpal complaint.
Cally's carpal complaints are a result of her weight gain and increased activity level, and may be caused by a weakened carpal ligament.
Case Report