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Hi TL!
I've been active around here for a couple years and don't post much but enjoy being here alot.
It is a great joy for me to play this game but now I come to you because of a problem which might put an end to my fun. Lately I've been having mouse wrist issues. It usually starts from long macro games and flairs up every once in a while. I've tried taking a break for about 5 days and then playing again but I'm right back where I started. I've looked up wiki and searched on a couple things but I'm not too sure about whats going on. I believe it may be tendonitis or maybe beginnings of carpal tunnel. It's not extremely painful but it is annoying and every once in a while becomes fairly noticeable. Any suggestions?
My current set up is:
Mac
MX518
No mouse pad just piece of paper.
Tennis player
Not sure what my posture is really when I'm into a game.
I used to have a really bad shoulder problem in the past with my left shoulder but it was completely solved by buying a 2 button mouse and improved posture.
 
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The bigger mystery is how pros avoid having carpal tunnel. Particularly nada whose been around forever playing with 400 apm every game - what's the secret?
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make sure your posture is good
and whenever your wrist hurts, for the love of god, stop playing
you are just asking for trouble if you don't
take another break, if it doesnt improve, see a doctor
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well how do you know when they hurt? after playing too long theres a slight pain under my wrist becuase the mousepad leaves a mark there but it goes away in a few seconds
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United States10774 Posts
Haha well I am a tennis player (really competitive) and I use MX518 as well but I have no problems at all :o I don't think the fact that I use a FuncPad instead of a paper would make a difference either. Well first of all, how long do you play for? I always take a 30~ minute break after around two hours to stand up, stretch, and stuff like that.
I suggest taking a pretty long break, like 10 days and see where that takes you. Also, like fusionsdf said make sure your posture is good. I constantly make sure my back and shoulders are straight because I sure don't want SC to lead some chronic back problems or whatever. But Idk if this relates to your wrist problem :o
If all fails, see a doctor!
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chronic back problem> wrist pain
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I play both tennis and martial arts competitively. I have gone through many injuries, I had a couple of wrist and arm injuries and the best thing that worked with me was either reducing training or taking a break from starcraft. Wait for a week or so, if the pain still is bad and isn't reducing go see a doctor. Just like oneother said.
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United States10774 Posts
On June 22 2008 17:38 HaLLeBaRy wrote:
chronic back problem> wrist pain
obv?
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mx518 is an unconfortable mouse, i've been having it for a while and he was just too big for my hand, I'm not too sure it's the mouse but I suggest you to try another one, the first you happen to have in your house, just to see if you feel the same pain
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I have been having this too, it's better now though. I did some things to make it better:
- Easier mouse
- High sensitive on the mouse so you don't have to move your wrist so much
- Regular training (guess you already do)
I don't really think APM matters to much as long as you are thinking about how your sitting and so on. I have about 280-300 APM but I am still fine.
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carpal tunnel, every pro gamers worst nightmare
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Korea (South)11567 Posts
or just dont use the computer for a few days. it works 100% for me
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Thanks for all the replies everyone
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On June 22 2008 17:29 HaLLeBaRy wrote:
well how do you know when they hurt? after playing too long theres a slight pain under my wrist becuase the mousepad leaves a mark there but it goes away in a few seconds
The pain is sharp, comes from the joint area around the middle, and hurts enough to make me want to stop. It doesn't take as much effect when I stop playing but it does give a slight sting every now and then when I make the same motion afterwards.
I just woke up this morning and it feels ok but I will be laying off the gaming as many have suggested.
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prolotherapy. chronic musculoskeletal problems are due to ligament and tendon damage. your bones are probably fine. if it was a muscle problem, it would go away in weeks, if not days.
regular hospitals don't have anything for you to regrow and repair your connective tissue (ligaments and tendons) the body can do it naturally via inflammation, so prolotherapy is the answer. (way cheaper than cortisone shots or surgery, which 1) cortizone will destroy your connective tissue while relaxing the muscles - it's not a muscle problem 2) surgery is most of the time not necessary for minor musculo skeletal problems - and they don't even try prolotherapy)
caringmedical.com to read why prolotherapy is a permanant CURE, and why things like like motrin, cortisone, and surgery is actually deleterious.
getprolo.com to find a prolotherapist in your area.
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try those mouse gel cushions so your wrist is elevated, if anything those cushions are damn soft
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The mouse gel cushions will only hinder your game and make the problem worse. I've dealt with similar problems before... here's what i'd recommend.
1. adjust your posture so that when you sit up straight your hands are level with the keyboard and mouse.
2. lower your sensitivity so you move the mouse more with your arms than your wrist. this also has the benefit of being much more accurate. this is a habitual thing... you have to train yourself, but it will help a lot.
3. before each game, stretch yoru fingers and wrists. for me this made the most difference. after i started stretching, the pain i had in my fingers and tendonitis simply stopped.
4. take a break dude.
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it is not carpal tunnel unless you're feeling noticeable numbness in your fingers. it is probably tendonitis. to be sure though, get yourself checked out. a lot of what i just posted i learned from my doctor. oh, also feel out the length of your arm for soreness.
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On June 23 2008 03:28 ahrara_ wrote:
2. lower your sensitivity so you move the mouse more with your arms than your wrist. this also has the benefit of being much more accurate. this is a habitual thing... you have to train yourself, but it will help a lot.
Is this actually a good thing to do? I find that having a higher sensitivity is better because you don't have to move your wrist that much.
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EPT
