What Causes Acute Pins And Needles Sensation In The Foot, Leg And Thigh?

Posted on Thu, 15 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I get acute pins and needles in my left foot and leg up to my btm when driving. Stop, get out, stagger about for a minute or so then back to normal

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Physical therapy and cushions the best way to prevent nerve compression.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Judging from your description the cause of those symptoms is the compression and stretching of the sciatic nerve when in a sitting position. It is not an uncommon issue especially as we age and muscles atrophy as cushioning from the muscles is decreased.

Using cushions as you already seem to have noticed may help, in particular, memory foam seat cushions is an often effective way of preventing symptoms.

For a more long term solution, physical therapy would be the best option. It would aim at strengthening back, pelvic and gluteal muscles in order to provide better cushioning of the nerve.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Olsi Taka, Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar