If you’ve ever woken up with a tingling sensation in your hands, fingers, or arms, you’re not alone. Many people experience this feeling, which can be compared to the sensation of your limbs “falling asleep,” leaving you temporarily numb until the sensation fades.
But what exactly causes this peculiar feeling? Known commonly as “pins and needles,” this sensation can manifest as numbness, tingling, or even a burning feeling in different parts of the body, such as your hands, feet, or legs.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the medical term for this sensation is paresthesia. It is not typically painful but is more of an uncomfortable, odd sensation that can occur unexpectedly, not just after you wake up.
If you’ve been sleeping or remained in one position for too long, you’ve likely experienced what I mentioned earlier. This is called transient paresthesia, which happens when a nerve is subjected to prolonged pressure. However, there are other potential causes, such as nerve injuries or herniated discs.
How to Relieve the Tingling Sensation
It’s no surprise that most people aren’t fond of paresthesia. While it’s usually not painful, it’s still uncomfortable, and the affected area often feels more sensitive. To help restore normal feeling to the affected area, it’s important to get blood flowing back to the nerve. Gentle stretching or massaging the limb can help speed up the process and provide relief.
Can Paresthesia Become Chronic?
Although most instances of paresthesia are temporary, it can become a long-term issue in certain situations. Chronic paresthesia can be caused by neurological conditions or nerve damage, such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or encephalitis. Other factors like tumors, vascular issues, or carpal tunnel syndrome may also lead to persistent paresthesia.
If you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. You should seek medical attention if your paresthesia:
- Comes on suddenly
- Follows a recent head injury
- Affects a whole arm or leg
- Is accompanied by weakness or paralysis
- Causes confusion
- Makes it difficult to speak
- Results in dizziness
- Is associated with a severe headache
- Occurs after a head injury
- Raises concerns about a brain tumor or stroke
- Develops or worsens gradually
- Affects both sides of the body
- Comes and goes unpredictably
- Seems linked to repetitive activities
- Affects a specific part of a limb, like your fingers or toes
Have you experienced paresthesia? Feel free to share your experience in the comments!