What causes pins and needles in hands
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Causes of Pins and Needles in Hands
Trauma and Ischemia
Trauma and Ischemia are significant causes of the sensation known as "pins and needles" in the hands. Trauma to the hands, such as needlestick and sharps injuries, can directly affect the cutaneous nerve fibers or nerve endings, leading to tingling sensations. This is particularly common among orthopedic surgeons who frequently use sharp devices like suture needles and pins/wires during surgeries 1. Additionally, ischemia, which is a restriction in blood supply to tissues, can also cause intense pins and needles. This can occur due to severe cold, Raynaud's phenomenon, or peripheral arterial and venous diseases, where the lack of blood flow affects the nerve endings 2.
Constricting Cuffs and Blood Supply
The release of a constricting cuff that cuts off blood supply to a limb can also result in pins and needles. This phenomenon occurs because the nerve impulses are generated when the blood supply is restored. There has been some debate about whether the sensation arises from the nerve region under the cuff or from the peripheral nerve endings in the affected area. However, it is generally agreed that the restoration of circulation stimulates the nerve endings, causing the tingling sensation 3.
Peripheral Neuropathy and Metabolic Changes
Peripheral neuropathy is another common cause of pins and needles in the hands. This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves and can result from various factors, including metabolic changes. For instance, diabetes is a well-known cause of peripheral neuropathy, leading to widespread tingling sensations. Other metabolic conditions that affect nerve function can similarly result in these sensations 24.
Prolonged Pressure and Postural Factors
Prolonged pressure on the hands, such as sitting with arms crossed for an extended period, can also lead to pins and needles. This is because the sustained pressure can temporarily compress the nerves, leading to a lack of sensation followed by tingling as the pressure is relieved and normal nerve function resumes 4.
Conclusion
In summary, the sensation of pins and needles in the hands can be attributed to various causes, including trauma, ischemia, constricting cuffs, peripheral neuropathy, and prolonged pressure. Understanding these underlying factors can help in diagnosing and managing the condition effectively.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Characteristics 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.
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