Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if pins and needles begins suddenly and comes with:
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
A drooping face, confused speech, or trouble understanding words
Sudden loss of vision, severe dizziness, or a severe unusual headache
Inability to move a limb, walk safely, or breathe normally
Tingling after a serious head, neck, or back injury
Numbness around the genitals or buttocks with new bladder or bowel problems
These combinations can point to a stroke or serious pressure on the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.
Do not drive yourself if emergency care is needed.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical advice if the tingling is rapidly spreading, is accompanied by new weakness, or is getting noticeably worse over hours or days.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine follow-up, book an appointment if the feeling does not settle, keeps returning, wakes you from sleep, or interferes with walking, grip, work, or sleep.
You should also arrange an assessment if you have ongoing tingling in both feet, especially if you have diabetes or another condition that can affect nerves.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pins and needles. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.