By Amy Glover
Though 鈥減ins and needles鈥 鈥 the prickling, tingling, numb sensation you might get in your leg after sitting on it for a while 鈥 can be completely normal, the NHS says you should see your GP if it never goes away or keeps coming back.
That鈥檚 because it can sometimes be a sign of diabetes (especially if it happens in your hands and feet), Raynaud鈥檚, multiple sclerosis (this is more likely to cause pins and needles all over your body), and sciatica.
The condition can also be a sign of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency too, however, the health service says.
What is vitamin B12 deficiency, and why does it matter?
Iron deficiency anaemia, a condition which affects an estimated 3% of men and 12% of premenopausal women in the UK, is pretty well-known.
It means your body doesn鈥檛 produce enough red blood cells, so your body struggles to circulate enough oxygen.
But it鈥檚 not the only form of anaemia. You can also get vitamin B12 or folate anaemia, which can lead to abnormally large red blood cells.
Because they鈥檙e too big, they can鈥檛 do their job well.
鈥淎lthough many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible if left untreated,鈥 the NHS warns.
These problems can include infertility, decreased cognitive function, dementia or even some cancers, per healthcare provider Cleveland Clinic.
It can also increase the risk of heart failure.
鈥淭he longer the condition goes untreated, the higher the chance of permanent damage,鈥 the NHS says.
What are all the symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate anaemia?
Some symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can occur without you having full-blown vitamin B12 or folate anaemia.
But you should still see your GP if you notice them. A deficiency or anaemia can be detected through a simple blood test.
Per the NHS, symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency include:
rapid breathing or shortness of breathheadachesindigestionloss of appetitepalpitationsproblems with your visionfeeling weak or tireddiarrhoeaa sore or red tongue, sometimes with mouth ulcersproblems with memory, understanding and judgment (cognitive changes)numbnessmuscle weaknesspsychological problems, which can range from mild depression or anxiety, to confusion and dementiaproblems with balance and coordinationpins and needlesincontinence.
Remember 鈥 鈥淚t鈥檚 important for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible,鈥 so see a doctor if you suspect you have it.