Can Gaming Cause Carpal Tunnel?
Yes, any overuse activity can cause carpal tunnel
Any overuse activity can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, especially when using a PC to play video games. Gaming is on the rise and for those who play for several hours each day or play competitively, the risk is greater for ailments such as carpal tunnel. According to Statistica.com, by 2024, there are expected to be 577.2 million viewers of eSports worldwide.
What is carpal tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is impingement of the nerves of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel (palm) causing a tingling sensation or numbness in your fingers. It can also reduce your normal range of motion. If you’re feeling numbness or tingling in your hands and fingers while gaming, you might be experiencing carpal tunnel. It’s best to consult a physician to find out exactly what is going on.
Can carpal tunnel be treated?
Absolutely! There are home remedies such as stretching, elevating your wrists and hands, keeping wrists neutral, rest, keeping warm, OTC drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil), and topical pain relief such as Biofreeze. In worse cases, a doctor may prescribe oral steroids, offer steroid injections, or recommend surgery to relieve pressure.
How long will carpal tunnel pain last?
Carpal tunnel pain can subside within a few hours to days with proper rest and treatment. Now for surgery recovery, it can take weeks to a few months. In severe cases, it could last up to a year for recovery depending on how long the carpal tunnel nerves have been compressed.
According to WebMD, after surgery you can get back to more normal activities, like:
- Driving (a couple of days after surgery)
- Writing (after a week, but expect 4–6 weeks before it feels easier.)
- Pulling, gripping, and pinching (6–8 weeks out, but only lightly. Expect 10–12 weeks before your full strength returns, or up to a year in more severe cases.)
How can carpal tunnel be prevented?
- Ergonomic set up
- Taking breaks
- Stretching
Console gaming is more likely to be ergonomic compared to PC gaming. In any event, neutral hand and wrist positioning is a key factor in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. This means for PC gamers, having your wrists be even with the mouse and keyboard. Placing a cushion where your wrists can rest will take pressure off your nerves. There are now ergonomic gaming mouses where your hand is in a more natural resting position that can also be beneficial not only to your wrist health but for your gameplay as well.
Taking breaks every hour during gameplay is important. Moving your hands around in a circular motion and shaking them for a few seconds will relieve pain and take the pressure off the carpal tunnel nerves. Standing up for a moment and moving your legs and arms will help break up the monotony and improve the overall circulation of your body also. Taking breaks might help you focus and play better in the video game.
Stretching will help prevent and treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Gamer stretches are a comprehensive, static stretch routine that targets the muscles and joints involved in gaming — for PC, console, and mobile gamers alike — that will help you recover and limit your risk for injury. Stretches should not hurt! If a stretch causes pain, do not continue, and consult your doctor or other health care professional.
Here are 3 stretches to be performed for a hold of 30 seconds each. For more stretches, see EsportsHealthcare.
- Prayer stretch
- Supine flexors stretch
- Reverse prayer stretch
What are other ailments that are caused by gaming?
Overuse injuries are typically the complaints gamers are reporting. Other ailments besides carpal tunnel syndrome are: Gamer’s thumb, mouse elbow, eye strain, low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, migraine headaches, mouse shoulder, and cubital tunnel syndrome. The cubital tunnel is on the opposite side of the carpal tunnel meaning on the pinky and elbow side.
The bottom line…
Carpal tunnel syndrome and many other ailments occur from gaming and other overuse activities. Prevention by proper ergonomic gaming setup, rest, and stretches is key. Know that gaming may not be the only cause of your pain. It’s important to rest and get to the bottom of anything causing you discomfort so further harm will be avoided. Make sure you consult with a doctor right away if symptoms worsen or don’t get better with home remedies.
