Most video game injuries are overuse injuries caused by playing video games for extended periods of time. Though less common, gaming may lead to acute injuries too, particularly with games requiring dancing, standing or movements mimicking in-person sports or a virtual reality (VR) headset that may impair your vision.
Casual gamers and competitive eSports athletes alike can get injured. However, those who spend three hours or more each day playing video games may have the highest risk. Luckily, you can decrease the risk of injuries with knowledge, planning and preparation.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it goes through a passageway at the wrist. The compression of the nerve most commonly causes paresthesias, which is a sensation of pins and needles, like the hand is falling asleep. The compression of the nerve is worsened by repetitive wrist motion or with poor positioning of the wrist in excess flexion or extension. The nerve is least compressed when the wrist is in a neutral position.
Symptoms often start mild and build over time. They may include:
- Burning, numbness, shock-like sensations, pain or tingling in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring fingers
- Feeling of swelling in the hand without swelling present
- Hand weakness
- Pain or tingling that radiates from the wrist to the fingertips or up the arm
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
In cubital tunnel syndrome, the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow and causes paresthesias (numbness and tingling) in the ring and small fingers. Ulnar nerve compression is often caused by keeping your elbow bent more than 90 degrees for long periods, such as when resting elbows on armrests while gaming.
Symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling in the ring and small finger, often worse when bending the elbow
- Loss of fine movements of the fingers (clumsiness)
- Weak grip
Gamer’s Thumb
Gamer’s thumb, or DeQuervain tenosynovitis, occurs when two tendons traveling in the first wrist extensor compartment are irritated and cause pain in the wrist (radial styloid). The irritation is caused by keeping the thumb in an abducted (outward) and extended position for a prolonged period of time. Irritation is also caused by repetitive movements in the thumb and wrist, such as moving a joystick or pressing buttons on a controller. Repetitive movements of the thumb in extreme positions, such as moving a joystick, can cause pain with wrist and thumb movement.
Symptoms can include:
- Difficulty pinching with thumb and pointer finger
- Pain on the back of the thumb when holding something, making a fist or turning the wrist
- Pain with extending or abducting the thumb
- Pain with ulnar deviation of the wrist (towards the small finger)
- Thumb or wrist stiffness or swelling
Trigger Finger
Tendons connecting forearm muscles to bones in the fingers and thumb can be inflamed from repetitive movements. The risk for inflammation is higher in patients with diabetes. Inflammation results in less space for the tendons to travel through as they enter a series of tunnels beginning in the palm. Due to the lack of space, the tendons get stuck on one side of the tunnel (pulley), with a popping sensation as it gets moved to the other side.
Symptoms can include:
- Catching, locking or popping when moving the finger or thumb
- Finger or thumb stiffness that may be worse in the morning
- Pain with bending or straightening the finger or thumb
- Tenderness in the palm at the base of the finger or thumb
Self-Care for Repetitive Stress Video Game Injuries
Whether in the elbows, fingers, hands, thumbs or wrists, self-care for repetitive stress injuries includes:
- Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms
- Frequent position changes and rest breaks while gaming
- Optimizing ergonomics of elbow, wrist, and hand position while gaming
- Avoiding exaggerated postures of the elbow, wrist and hand
- Hot packs or ice packs to provide comfort
- Stretching exercises for the elbows, fingers, hands, thumbs and wrists
If symptoms don’t improve with self-care, your provider may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
- Activity modification
- Occupational or physical therapy
- Over-the-counter medications
- Resting
- Steroid injections
- Wearing a brace or splint designed for your specific injury during activities or overnight
In situations where non-operative treatments do not relieve the symptoms, surgery might be recommended as a treatment option.
Preventing Video Game Injuries
To help prevent gaming injuries:
- Avoid playing for extended periods of time by taking frequent breaks
- Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and avoid excess caffeine
- Exercise regularly in the real world by exercising 30-60 minutes daily, five days a week
- Playing in a spacious environment when you use VR headsets
- Practice good posture while playing
More to Read
- What Are the Best Exercises for Lower Back Pain?
- Is There Such a Thing as a Healthy Sports Drink?
- Is Caffeine Bad for Your Heart? It Depends.
- Tired? Having Headaches? You Could Be Experiencing Caffeine Withdrawal
Medically reviewed by Jasson Abraham, MD
