do you have raynaud's? Maybe it is connected to that, if you get really cold hands and feet because of the extreme reaction to the cold it might trigger the pins and needles as the circulation comes back

Firstly, I haven't been diagnosed with MCTD (have positive ANA & anti-RNP), still in the process of testing. I have pins & needles/tingling in my hands & feet, pain in my right thumb especially under the finger. I have had cold hands, feet & nose all my life. Don't have Raynaud's.

Bruno - yes, do have raynauds.

Jen - good luck with your testing & firm diagnosis! Have you any treatments/remedies that allay your symptoms?

MCTD seems to be the "Swiss army knife" of autoimmune diseases. It can present with symptoms that could be misdiagnosed as several other diseases ... apparently it was routinely misdiagnosed until reliable blood testing protocols were developed and widely accepted ... although how widely used is another question. However, Raynaud's is one the lovely secondary effects of MCTD... have you tried to locate a Raynaud's board? Maybe some folks on there have some methods to reduce the severity and duration?

I had severe pain from the Raynaud's in the beginning. My doctor had to prescribe a nitroglycerin cream that is used to open your blood vessels. I tried not to use it ofter because I have kids and you don't want to be touching anyone with that stuff on your hands. I only used it when it was super bad. It helped a lot though, until I got my MCTD under control. Stress can also trigger the pins and needles feeling. Try to find some stress relieving techniques that work for you. It might eliminate the trigger to begin with. Hope this helps.

Hi - I was newly diagnosed in December with MCTD. I always have pins and needles in my hands and feet. Although I had no appearance of Raynauds, some high tech testing at Mayo indicates I have it. That is most likely what is causing your pins and needles. I was told to protect hands and feet from the cold and maybe things with regards to Raynauds may not get worse. Mayo indicated they rarely see an MCTD patient who does not have Raynauds.

I have MCTD, with raynauds, sjogrens, RA, diabetes type 2. I have found Alpha Lipoic Acid/Acetyl L Carnitine combo and L Arginine to be helpful with the pins/needles/burning pain in my hands and feet. I know LArg is a vasodilator, not sure why the Alip/Alcar helps but it does.
Terribly debilitating disease isn't it?

MCTD1983 - let me know if you get any tips as I am having the same along with intense pain. I can only take so many ibuprofins a day, so am not sure what else to do?

I was using Acetyl L carnitine for a good time and it definitely calming things down.

Have your neurologist check for Small Fiber Neuropathy. I don't have Peripheral Neuropathy but I have all the signs of neuropathy and very painful feet and legs. I get pins and needles and burning all over my body and I was positive for Small Fiber Neuropathy. They test it by a small skin biopsy on your upper thigh and lower leg. You may qualify for IVIG and/or other treatments that will help you better if you are positive. Good luck.

Yes, I have had tingling in legs, hands and feet. Also, anyone with MCTD needs to be very aware of cold hands and feet and take measures to keep them warm.

I have been taking B6 for over a year and it has helped substantially. Also, I use a heating pad on my hands and feet, if I start to get the tingling.

Give those a try. What do you have to lose?