Why pins and needles in arms and hands

If inadequate blood flow is causing tingling in your left arm, you may also experience pain, swelling, and cold hands and fingers. Injuries that affect the nerves in your left arm can interrupt messages from your brain and cause numbness. For instance, brachial plexus neuropathy is a type of nerve injury characterized by damage to the nerves that run down the arms from the spinal cord.

Brachial plexus neuropathy can cause pain in the shoulders and arms, as well as numbness and limited movement. Contact sports, auto accidents, and other factors can result in this kind of nerve injury. Hypothyroidism results from the underproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland, and can also lead to symptoms like fatigue, cold sensitivity, weight gain, dry skin, and more.

Easily test the 3 main thyroid hormones plus thyroid antibodies with the Everlywell at-home Thyroid Test —and conveniently access your results on our secure, online platform. A herniated disc located near nerves that run through your left arm may cause your arm to tingle and feel numb. Risk factors associated with this condition include repetitive bending or twisting of the lower back, lifting heavy objects, smoking, and having a physically inactive lifestyle.

The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin B12 is 2. A bone fracture in your arm can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain, and interfere with nearby nerves, causing numbness and tingling. Other symptoms of a fracture in the arm include a misshapen arm, a visibly out-of-place joint, bleeding, a protruding bone, limited mobility in the arm, and the inability to move the arm.

If you suspect you have a bone fracture, seek medical attention right away. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve that runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand becomes pinched at the wrist. Tingling and numbness in the arms are common symptoms of carpal tunnel, as well as frequent burning and itching.

Carpal tunnel is more common in women than men, and in those who perform repetitive tasks with their hands and wrists, such as sewing, fishing, and typing. This condition may be treated with surgery, or with non-surgical treatments including splinting and prescription medications.

Likewise, inflammation or swelling of the spinal cord or brain can place pressure on one or more nerves. Damage to the skin via a rash, inflammation, or injury is another reason for numbness or tingling.

Conditions that can cause this type of damage include frostbite and shingles a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus. Everyone experiences numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation on occasion. You probably have felt it when you stood up after sitting in one position for a long time. Usually it resolves within minutes. In some cases, feelings of numbness and tingling or burning can indicate a serious injury or medical condition.

Seek urgent care if you recently experienced any of the following:. Expect your doctor to request a complete medical history. Note if you have any recent injuries, infections, or vaccinations.

Depending on the findings of a physical exam, your doctor may order additional tests. These may include blood tests, electrolyte level testing, thyroid function testing , toxicology screening , vitamin level testing, and nerve conduction studies.

Your doctor may also order a spinal tap lumbar puncture. Imaging tests — such as an X-ray , angiogram , CT scan , MRI , or ultrasound of the affected area — can also help your doctor reach a diagnosis. Because of the varied causes of numbness and tingling, your treatment will depend on the reason for your symptoms. Treatment will focus on resolving any underlying medical conditions.

Are you concerned about arm numbness and tingling? Our experts can help. Previous Next. View Larger Image. Read on to learn what medical conditions might be behind it and when you should see a doctor.

Cervical spine issues While it may not be the first thing that comes to your mind, the source of your arm tingling may actually be your neck. Follow Us. About this Symptom Checker. See your doctor if you experience intermittent numbness or tingling in one or both hands. Get emergency medical care if the numbness:. Find possible causes of numbness or tingling in hands based on specific factors. Check one or more factors on this page that apply to your symptom.

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This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Symptoms Symptom Checker. When to seek medical advice See your doctor if you experience intermittent numbness or tingling in one or both hands. Get emergency medical care if the numbness: Began suddenly Follows an injury or accident Is accompanied by a sudden, severe headache Is accompanied by weakness or paralysis Is accompanied by confusion or difficulty speaking Is accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness.