Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome From Gaming: Hand Health Tips

How Do You Get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from Gaming?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. This compression leads to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. Gamers, who often engage in repetitive movements for long periods, are at increased risk.

Repetitive actions like button pressing and mouse or keyboard use strain the hands and wrists. Without breaks, these movements can worsen the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Prolonged gaming sessions without proper rest can heighten the likelihood of developing this painful condition.

To prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, gamers should take regular breaks and stretch their hands and wrists. Practicing good ergonomics, such as using wrist supports and maintaining proper posture, can also reduce the risk.

What Happens in the Body When You Have Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal tunnel syndrome stems from irritation of the median nerve, classified as a repetitive stress injury. This nerve extends from the elbow through the forearm and into the hand, passing through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Responsible for thumb movement and sensation, it also functions for the first three fingers.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome encompass pain in the wrist, forearm, elbow, thumb, and fingers. Additionally, individuals may experience sensations of pins and needles, numbness, or tingling in the affected area. Weakness in the hand or fingers may also be present, indicating nerve compression and impairment.

Chiropractic Care Relieves Carpal Tunnel Pain

Experiencing pain or symptoms of carpal tunnel from gaming? At Laurelhurst Chiropractic in Portland, we offer personalized care to address your needs. Our comprehensive examination will tailor a treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms effectively.

Our natural chiropractic treatments encompass various methods, including massage, cold packs, ultrasound, acupuncture, splinting, corrective exercises, and more. We are committed to providing holistic care to help you find relief from carpal tunnel discomfort.

Contact us online or give us a call for a free consultation today. Let us support you on your journey to healthier, pain-free gaming.

Pathophysiology

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression or irritation of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Several factors contribute to this compression:

1. Inflammation: Swelling and inflammation within the carpal tunnel can narrow the space, putting pressure on the median nerve.
2. Injury: Wrist injuries, such as sprains, strains, or trauma, may lead to inflammation and reduced space within the carpal tunnel.
3. Overuse: Repetitive strain injuries, like tenosynovitis, can cause inflammation in the tendon sheaths, crowding the carpal tunnel.
4. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during pregnancy, can increase water retention and pressure within the carpal tunnel.
5. Densification or Adhesion Formation: Repetitive movements in one plane of motion can lead to densification or adhesion formation in the flexor retinaculum, narrowing the carpal tunnel.
6. Prolonged, Static Position: Holding the wrist in the same position for extended periods can tense the flexor retinaculum, reducing space within the carpal tunnel.
7. Poor Wrist Position: Holding the wrist in extension for prolonged periods, such as bending it backward on the edge of a keyboard, can tighten the flexor retinaculum and increase pressure on the structures within the carpal tunnel.
8. Direct Compression: Direct pressure at the base of the palm can compress the structures within the carpal tunnel, contributing to nerve irritation.

Signs and symptoms

If you’re dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome, you might encounter various symptoms:

1. Numbness and Tingling: You may experience sensations of pins and needles or numbness, typically starting in your thumb, index, and middle fingers, often at the fingertips.
2. Weakness: Weakness may be noticeable primarily in your thumb, affecting tasks like gripping or pinching objects, such as keys.
3. Muscle Wasting: In severe or chronic cases of nerve compression, you might observe muscle atrophy at the base of your thumb.
4. Not in the Pinky: It’s important to note that carpal tunnel syndrome typically doesn’t affect the pinky finger or the pinky finger side of your wrist or hand, which may indicate a different condition like cubital tunnel syndrome.
5. Additionally, you might notice:
6. Increased Symptoms with Wrist Extension: Activities involving wrist extensions, such as using a mouse or keyboard, may exacerbate symptoms.
7. Worsening Symptoms at Night: Symptoms may become more pronounced during nighttime.
8. Relief after Hand Shaking: Some individuals experience relief or improvement of symptoms after shaking out their hands.

Common mechanism(s) of injury

For PC gamers, carpal tunnel syndrome is more prevalent due to specific factors related to keyboard and mouse usage:

1. Poor Hand Position: Incorrect hand placement while gaming can increase strain on the wrists and exacerbate carpal tunnel symptoms.
2. Excessive Wrist Extension: Allowing the wrists to extend too far over the keyboard or mouse can tighten the flexor retinaculum, leading to pressure on the median nerve.
3. Direct Compression: Insufficient support for the hands and wrists while gaming can result in pressure on the median nerve, contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome.
4. Overuse and Inflammation: Continuous pressing of keys on a keyboard can lead to overuse of the flexor tendons, potentially causing inflammation and compression of structures within the carpal tunnel.
5. Chronic Vibration: Long-term exposure to vibration, such as from console controllers, may aggravate nerves and contribute to the development or worsening of carpal tunnel syndrome. While evidence supporting this is limited, anecdotal reports suggest a potential link.

These factors underscore the importance of maintaining proper ergonomics and taking regular breaks to prevent the onset or worsening of carpal tunnel syndrome among PC gamers. 

Read this also: Connect Turtle Beach Stealth 600 To PC: A Comprehensive Guide

3 Hand Stretches You Can Use to Prevent Carpal Tunnel from Gaming

The human body is naturally built for movement, yet modern lifestyles often involve prolonged periods of sitting or stationary activities. Incorporating stretching into our routines helps alleviate tightness in muscles and maintains their flexibility and strength.

Stretching Fingers

Here’s a simple stretch you can do, even while gaming or during short breaks. Begin by spreading out all your fingers, as if you’re making a five with your hands. Then, use your thumb to touch your pinky finger. Afterward, spread your hands open again and repeat this process with all your fingers. This stretch helps relieve tension in the hands and wrists, promoting flexibility and reducing the risk of discomfort while gaming.

Hand Warmup

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a prevalent condition that arises from the compression of the median nerve within the wrist’s carpal tunnel. Repetitive activities, such as gaming or typing, can contribute to its development. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.

To prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, gamers should incorporate stretching exercises into their routine, targeting the hands and wrists. Regular breaks and proper ergonomic positioning can also mitigate the risk of developing this painful condition.

Wrist Stretch

After completing the initial stretches, rotate your palm so it faces upwards. Then, gently grasp your hand and pull it downwards once more. These stretches will leave your hands and wrists feeling refreshed and revitalized, ready for more gaming or other activities.

Conclusion:

carpal tunnel syndrome is a common ailment among gamers and individuals who engage in repetitive hand and wrist movements. It can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities. However, by incorporating preventive measures such as stretching, ergonomic adjustments, and taking regular breaks, gamers can reduce their risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome and maintain optimal hand and wrist health.

Ultimately, prioritizing hand health is essential for gamers to enjoy gaming experiences without the hindrance of pain or discomfort. By implementing simple yet effective strategies, such as proper stretching techniques and ergonomic practices, gamers can safeguard themselves against the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome and continue to pursue their passion for gaming with comfort and ease.