Consider that you’ve just settled down to watch your favorite television program. You choose to curl up with your legs crisscrossed because it feels more comfortable. When the episode concludes, you attempt to rise and discover that your right foot is no longer functional. At first, you can’t move it, and then it feels as if it’s covered with pins and needles.
What Happens When You Get Pins and Needles? / Shutterstock
It may feel strange and unpleasant for a moment or two, but you will soon be able to stand and walk normally. Each time you decide to move your body, whether standing, walking, or participating in sports, your brain instructions your muscles to ensure proper movement.
When the brain cannot communicate with power or a set of forces, strange things might happen — including that area of your body experiencing the strange feeling of falling asleep. It often begins with numbness or tingling in that region. This feeling, often referred to as “pins and needles,” is scientifically referred to as paresthesia.
Some individuals believe a lack of blood flow causes this sensation. They hypothesize that the “asleep” phenomenon occurs when your blood, which transports nutrients throughout your body, cannot reach your foot. However, this is incorrect. When your foot falls asleep, it is really because the nerves from the brain to the foot get compressed due to your sitting posture.
Bear in mind that these nerves send information back and forth, allowing your brain and foot to connect. Whether the nerves are pinched for a short period, you will lose sensation in your foot because it will not usually communicate with your brain about how it feels or moves. Once you resume normal movement, the pressure on the nerves is relieved. They “wake up,” and you will experience a “pins and needles” sensation. Not to worry; that sensation will pass quickly, and everything will return to normal.
What Happens When You Get Pins and Needles? / Alamy Stock Photo
The critical issue now is: Is this dangerous? Generally, when your foot or other body part falls asleep, it is transient and causes little concern. Indeed, since it lasts just a minute or two, you may forget it occurred by the end of the day. Even though it does not cause lasting harm, you may want to prevent the unpleasant sensation that occurs when your foot falls asleep.
Here are a few pointers that may be helpful: Alternate your stance often. Avoid crossing your legs for an extended period. When sitting for an extended period, alternate between standing and sitting. You are unlikely to be able to prevent your foot from falling asleep completely. Therefore, do not be alarmed if it occurs occasionally. It’ll pass quite soon – and maybe it’ll serve as a reminder of all the critical brain information your nerves are constantly conveying without your awareness.
