What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) happens when the median nerve in your wrist gets squeezed. This nerve controls feeling and movement in parts of your hand, like your thumb and first three fingers.
Common carpal tunnel syndromes include:
Tingling or numbness in your fingers
Pain in your wrist or hand
Weakness when gripping things
A "pins and needles" feeling
These symptoms often start mildly and get worse with repetitive strain.
How Does Gaming Lead to Carpal Tunnel?
Gaming involves a lot of repetitive hand movements, like clicking a mouse, pressing buttons, or gripping a controller for hours. Over time, these actions can strain your wrist and cause inflammation. That swelling can press on the median nerve, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Gamers are more at risk if they:
Hold your wrist at an uncomfortable angle
Play for long hours without breaks
Use equipment that does not support your hands
Simple changes in posture and setup reduce this risk.
3 Hand Stretches You Can Use to Prevent Carpal Tunnel from Gaming
Your hands and wrists work all day. Most people do not stretch them. These simple movements relieve tightness and help you stay comfortable.
Finger Stretch
Let's start with a great stretch you can do even under the table or within round breaks while playing your favorite game. Start by spreading out all of the fingers in your hands as If you are making a five with your hands. With your thumb, touch your pinky finger. Upon connecting your pinky finger and your thumb, spread your hands back open and repeat this process with all your fingers.
Hand and Wrist Warmup
Now that we have our hands moving and stretching. It is time to show some love to our wrists. Our wrists have a high level of physical demand throughout the day, with holding the mouse, lifting, and gripping things. Despite this, they are taken for granted and often left out of stretching routines, becoming more prone to injuries and pain. To stretch your wrists, extend your arm and ensure your palm is facing the floor. Now grab your palm or the beginning of your wrist with your other hand and very gently pull your hand down.
Wrist Stretch with Palm Up
After finishing the first two moves, rotate your palm and ensure it faces upwards. Again, grab your hand and very gently pull it down. After you stretch, your hands and wrists will feel rejuvenated and as good as new.
Take Care of Your Hands to Reduce Long Term Risk
As a gamer, you must recognize the importance of prioritizing hand health. By adopting preventive measures and practicing good habits, you can continue to enjoy gaming while minimizing the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to hand stretches, make sure to use ergonomic gaming accessories and take regular breaks. Let's keep our hands healthy!
If you are looking for an exercise that includes your body - grab your free stretch routine here!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you experience persistent symptoms or have concerns about hand health, please consult a healthcare professional.
