Video Game-Related Physical Ailments: Tips for Handling Them
In the world of video gaming, it's not just about high scores and virtual victories. The physical strain on the body, particularly the hands, wrists, and elbows, can lead to various injuries. Here's a guide to help you understand, prevent, and treat some common video game-related injuries such as finger blisters, tennis elbow, Gamer's wrist, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Prevention:
Maintaining proper hand positioning and ergonomics while gaming is crucial to minimize strain. Using supportive devices such as wrist splints or braces can also help reduce repetitive stress. Regularly performing stretching exercises and taking frequent breaks are essential to avoid overuse.
Engaging in strengthening and mobility exercises tailored to your needs can further aid in prevention. Sports medicine specialists can provide personalised assessments to identify biomechanical issues and help tailor prevention programs.
Treatment:
For tennis elbow, myofascial release, joint alignment, and kinesiology taping (K-tape) by a trained professional can alleviate pain and support healing. For carpal tunnel syndrome, kinesiology tape can gently lift the skin to reduce pressure on the median nerve, easing pain, numbness, and tingling.
Splinting and bracing can support injured joints in the wrist and elbow, reducing strain and aiding recovery. For finger blisters, keeping hands dry, using protective gloves, and avoiding excessive friction during play can help. Treatment involves cleaning and protecting blisters to prevent infection.
Consulting sports medicine experts can provide specialized rehabilitation programs, physical therapy, and advanced treatments like regenerative medicine if needed.
Gamer's wrist, characterized by pain, swelling, and numbness in the wrist, is caused by repetitive motion while playing video games. It creates inflammation in the joint, and resting and applying ice can help reduce pain and inflammation. Regular breaks from gaming or computer use and rest when feeling pain in the hands can help prevent or treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by nerve compression in the carpal tunnel area, is common for people who spend a long time working on the computer or playing video games. To avoid carpal tunnel syndrome, it's recommended to have a computer or gaming setup that is gentle on the hands and promotes good posture.
By combining ergonomic adjustments, supportive devices, regular stretching, and professional guidance, gamers can significantly reduce the risk of these common injuries and promote faster recovery if they occur.
- To minimize the likelihood of Gamer's wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome, it's advised for gamers to set up their gaming equipment in a way that promotes good posture and is gentle on the hands.
- Engaging in lifestyle practices beyond gaming, such as regular mental-health exercises and home-and-garden activities, can help relieve stress and promote overall well-being.
- Maintaining a focus on health-and-wellness by taking care of your body and mental health through appropriate fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle practices can help ensure that gaming remains an enjoyable, injury-free activity.
