Does metal plates and screws in lower leg can cause pins and needles and tingling in the foot.

No: The metal itself when implanted does not cause these sensations by their very nature. The injury that needs the hardware may have caused it, the surgery itself (retracting nerves out of the way to place the metal) , post-operative swelling , the use of a tourniquet are some of the many causes that can cause tingling etc. After surgery see your doctor for evaluation and explanation.

Usually not: But may be close to a peripheral nerve, and potential of irritation from instrumentation or perhaps scarring. You may have initially injured a nerve, and the tingling is a sign of regeneration. Your surgeon can check this out, but likely not a major threat or issue.