More than 1.2 billion people play video games worldwide, according to a report by Spil Games. As travel physical therapy professionals know, playing video games often entails hours spent staring at a screen and working your thumbs on a controller or keyboard. From a PT standpoint, the sedentary position and fine motor repetition can become rather problematic.
While video games' primary demographics generally include teens and young adults, gaming has become increasingly mainstream, crossing age and gender barriers. Travel PT professionals who play video games should be sure to limit the time spent in front of the screen and explain to gamers the potential injuries that can arise.
Common injuries
Whether sitting in front of a TV, computer, tablet or other device, many video games overwork the thumbs and fingers. Take a look at a few of the injuries resulting from video gaming:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome, also dubbed gamer's thumb, Nintendoitis and Nintendo thumb, is one of the most common injuries among gamers. The condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist, causing a piercing pain in the wrist and arm. Those on travel physical therapy assignments understand that the median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and all fingers except the pinky. The cause of the aggravation may stem from a host of repetitive actions such as holding your hand at an odd angle over the keyboard to press the movement keys, constantly pressing the "fire button" on the controller with your thumb or using a standard PC mouse during extended game play.
Carpal tunnel is not only triggered by gaming either. Many workers who sit at a computer typing for long periods throughout the day may deal with this condition too. Physical therapists will recommend performing stretching exercises, taking frequent rest breaks, and using correct posture and wrist position. Wearing fingerless gloves can aid in keeping hands warm and flexible.
Carpal tunnel symptoms include:
- Numbness in the fingers
- Pain at night
- Burning or tingling sensation in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Wrist pain
- Hand weakness
Eye strain
Staring at the gaming screen for long periods of time may lead to eye strain. This problem generally occurs when gamers don't blink enough, which dries out their eyes and causes irritation. It may also result from sitting too close to the screen.
To help prevent eye strain, take breaks frequently and look away from the screen at the farthest point.
Eye strain symptoms include:
- Dry eyes
- Sore or burning eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty focusing
Back pain
Improper posture is a common problem for avid gamers. Remaining seated or lying down for a long time can lead to what gamers refer to as "couch slouch." Another troublesome posture involves hunching forward, elbows on knees. Try to sit up straight and if you're playing at a desk, make sure arms are parallel with the ground and both shoulders rest against a supportive chair.
Best ways to avoid injuries
To reduce the risk of injury, travel PT professionals may recommend the following tips:
1. Avoid squeezing too hard. In the intensity of the game, some individuals may press rather aggressively. Prevent unnecessary injuries by lightening your grip.
2. Make sure you take breaks and perform wrist and hand stretches. Do these exercises for 30 to 60 seconds each.
3. Stand up and perform back stretches.
4. Relax your eyes by looking away from the screen.
5. Consider buying an ergonomic mouse. Ergonomic computer mice have been shown to help relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel by making you to keep you hand in the natural prone position instead of twisting your forearm to flatten your wrist.
6. It's very important to put a limit on the total amount of time playing video games