Carpal Tunnel from Gaming: How to Prevent it

Carpal tunnel can be very bad for gaming and this is a common problem that people have to deal with.

If you are having wrist pain while gaming, it might mean your keyboard or mouse has worn out. It could also just be the way you’re typing. The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to help alleviate some of this pain. What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The strain on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome. On the palm side of your hand, the carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments. Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm may occur when the median nerve is compressed.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the structure of your wrist, health issues, and likely repeated hand movements.

Tingling and numbness are normally relieved with proper care, and wrist and hand function is usually restored.

Can you get Carpal Tunnel from Gaming?

Yes.

Since video gaming usually involves a series of repetitive hand movements, it’s possible to develop CTS as a result, particularly if you play regularly and for long periods of time. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common injury associated with video gaming. While the symptoms of CTS vary slightly between PC, console, and smartphone gamers, the underlying cause is the same — repetitive motion.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

The majority of the time, CTS symptoms will appear gradually, starting with occasional numbness and tingling in the thumbs, index, and middle fingers. You can also develop pain in the wrist and palm of your hand, as well as a feeling similar to an electric shock, over time.

You might also note that the tingling and numbness spread to the rest of your hand and fingers. The feeling can travel up your arm from your wrist to your elbow, and it can happen when you’re holding a steering wheel, a book, or a tablet.

You may also notice a weakness on your side, as well as an inability to keep a tight grip on things. This is mostly due to the discomfort caused by this action, which is a result of the numbness and pain experienced by the nerves and tendons inside the carpal tunnel.

How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel from Gaming

1- Take Regular Breaks

When gaming, it is usually recommended that you take a break every hour or so. When playing long matches, though, this isn’t always possible.

After a long game, though, standing up and stretching, as well as walking about, will give your hands and wrists a break.

2- Self-Massage

Massage therapy can also be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome pain. To enjoy the benefits, you don’t even need to pay for a professional massage. Simply find the trigger points on your palm, apply pressure, and massage the area gently. Two 30-minute massages a week, according to one report, substantially decreased discomfort and also increased functional activity in the hand and wrist. To help in complete recovery, try adding a massage into your rest days.

3- Ergonomic Mice and Proper Wrist Position

There are a variety of ergonomic mice available on the market that can help benefit your wrist. This usually entails keeping the mouse in a slightly different way, with pressure applied to the base of the hand rather than the wrist.

When using a mouse, switch your whole forearm rather than twisting your wrist. In FPS games, gamers frequently use their wrist for snapping and shooting. This can cause serious wrist issues over time. If you’re in pain, try to get into the habit of moving your cursor with your whole forearm. You may not be as precise, but it will help you feel better!

And Finally and as a Last Resort, Consult the Physician

While the above suggestions can help relieve pain and encourage you to continue gaming, they aren’t always successful long-term treatments for coping with or preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. Consult your doctor if the discomfort persists after exercise, rest, self-massage, and changing your gaming equipment. He may be able to prescribe pain relief, suggest specific exercises, and, in some cases, advise you on surgical options.

Of course, surgery may not be your first choice, but it may be able to help you avoid pain in the long run and allow you to continue gaming for years.

Take care and happy gaming!

Originally published at https://anomalygaming.blogspot.com on April 13, 2021.