I don't have forearm problems, but I get stiff, and somewhat sore sensations in the middle of my hands, just under the knuckles. It's aggravated by rapid finger movements, like hotkey and click spam, but it's pretty annoying to deal with when the game gets more intense. Anyone have any diagnosis?

waxypants

United States479 Posts

July 07 2011 02:42 GMT

#22

Yes, unfortunately I can tell you first hand that sore forearm muscles will make your speed and accuracy go to hell.

indigoawareness

Slovakia273 Posts

July 07 2011 02:48 GMT

#23

You need a better chair/desk bro. Also think about your posture for a second. I think this is something severely unconsidered amoungst (people and) gamers. It makes a huge difference especially if you've been working out, and moreso in general regarding soreness of random parts, including forearms. Keep that in mind. However, poor accuracy makes sense with fatigued muscles. My legs don't function especially well if I've really shocked the quads. I recommend some low intensity high rep/toning excecises for the forearms in order to get them into shape for excessive forceful clicking. Vigorous masturbation will help in the long run.

sluggaslamoo

Australia4494 Posts

July 07 2011 05:25 GMT

#24

On July 07 2011 11:39 KimJongChill wrote:
I don't have forearm problems, but I get stiff, and somewhat sore sensations in the middle of my hands, just under the knuckles. It's aggravated by rapid finger movements, like hotkey and click spam, but it's pretty annoying to deal with when the game gets more intense. Anyone have any diagnosis?

I used to have problems during tense moments, but I would even get a sore jaw.

Basically I would clench my teeth and tense my arms so much that they would be really fatigured after a game. I've gradually been getting better at keeping my muscles relaxed during tense moments, it really helped, requires a lot of discipline though.

That and also keeping your wrists and arms elevated so you type in a more ergonomic fashion.

If its a pins and needles sensation and the muscles are really red thats different, ive had that before too from during the heavy exam period. Ergonomics will help, but you need to ice it to reduce the swelling and heat it up before using. I think stretches helped. But basically you need to stop for a long time and heat and massage it to let it recover.

jjun212

Canada2208 Posts

July 07 2011 05:28 GMT

#25

sore anything will effect gameplay.
ever had a sore jaw. it hurts and all i can think about is my jaw.

Crake_

United States74 Posts

July 07 2011 06:56 GMT

#26

I have had the same problem with playing guitar after deadlifting and doing forearm work. Really weird feeling.

zylog

Canada943 Posts

July 07 2011 10:34 GMT

#27

Yeah, it's pretty unavoidable. You want to push yourself while working out, but that'll lead to fatigued forearms and decreased performance when it comes to doing quick, precise actions. It's the same thing when it comes to sports training. Lots of intense physical training can negatively affect quickness and precision, so athletes will have regimens that cycle between emphasizing general physical preparation and emphasizing sports specific work.

So really the best thing you can do is manage your time/schedule as much as possible, space out your activities as best you can. If you lift in the afternoon, try to give yourself a few hours of rest before gaming. If you have a big gaming session coming up, don't do your big deadlift session the day before. If you're training for an athletic event coming up in a month, be willing to sacrifice a bit of your starcraft playing performance during that time, etc.

BearStorm

United States795 Posts

July 07 2011 10:39 GMT

#28

On July 07 2011 10:49 BioTech wrote:
Just a general tip on this to everyone. For non-gaming use start using your left hand (if youre a right-hander).

At work I use my left hand on the mouse, for general use at home I use left. But when gaming I use my right. It doesnt take very long at all to become proficient in using both, youll be suprised.

How long did it take you to become proficient with your offhand? I might be interested in trying this since I have been getting pains in my right hand.

bebe01

Korea (South)512 Posts

July 07 2011 10:47 GMT

#29

Must be new to working out, soreness will go away, if it bothers you that much just don't play.

redDuke

Australia207 Posts

July 07 2011 11:01 GMT

#30

Just a bit of tendonitis. I get the same from gym/cheer/sc2 combos. Ice and anti inflammatories plus a little rest does wonders

Pondo

Australia283 Posts

July 07 2011 11:18 GMT

#31

I do rock climbing regularly (extremely forearm intensive) and I can't write afterwards. :S

zul

Germany5427 Posts

July 07 2011 11:35 GMT

#32

On July 07 2011 10:35 chAse_ wrote:
go, see a doctor and stop starting stupid posts.

yes, obvious is obvious.

nice selfown dude.

on topic: after working out I never play SC, cuz my arms are all heavy and exhausted. just wait some hours or dont play at all for that day. nothing to worry about. If you get pain in your wrists then you might go see a doctor.