|
Hey guys, I've been playing for SC2 for a quite a while the past few months and I've been noticing a pain on the bony part of the wrist on the pinky side(the part of the hand where you would impact a piece of wood karate chopping it). Its not really a numbness but a sharp pain. This pain is only when I am playing SC2 or surfing the internet using my mouse.
I think what is triggering the pain is that my desk is made of solid wood and when i'm using my mouse, the bony part of my wrist on the pink side is constantly being pressed on the surface for long amount of time and it just gets sore.
I checked out carpal tunnel and that seems to only really affect the thumb, index, and middle finger side of the hand. When I play guitar for hours there is no pain which also kinda insures me that its not carpal tunnel.
I was really wondering if anyone else has this same problem and has found a solution to it. I've tried putting a rag under my wrist as I play but that sometimes causes issues. I'm thinking of trying to to find a mouse pad that has a padded end but I can see that affecting how I hold my mouse which I don't really want.
Any advice/help would be appreciated!
|
You should probably get that checked that out by a doctor. They can suggest what's wrong and what to do so it doesn't get hurt further
|
Starting to think I should have made this a blog. Sorry about this, still new to all the rules n stuff. If anyone knows how to delete this let me know and ill move it to a blog if need be.
|
Im having the same issue... i been having it for around a month now and i think its because when we are playing we are putting pressure on it and having it with constant pressure eventually it will bruise. So i started to play with a cloth on the pressure point and i noticed a improvement on the pain (its a little weird playing thought)
|
Carpal Tunnel is more well known for compressing the Median nerve, but there are other compression/entrapment syndromes : http://www.mdguidelines.com/neuropathy-of-ulnar-nerve-entrapment/definition
This is a paragraph on the Ulnar Entrapment Syndrome which is the zone you are saying is affected. The type of pain is usually sharp, tingling and a burning sensation. It is quite rare however.
|
On September 01 2011 21:26 hYdrA-MeNo wrote:
Im having the same issue... i been having it for around a month now and i think its because when we are playing we are putting pressure on it and having it with constant pressure eventually it will bruise. So i started to play with a cloth on the pressure point and i noticed a improvement on the pain (its a little weird playing thought)
Yeah I tried putting a cloth down as well and it seemed to help but it did feel quite weird. Might have to just suck it up and play with one.
|
100% check a doctor. They're the experts here.
|
On September 01 2011 21:26 Mortecian wrote:Carpal Tunnel is more well known for compressing the Median nerve, but there are other compression/entrapment syndromes : http://www.mdguidelines.com/neuropathy-of-ulnar-nerve-entrapment/definition
This is a paragraph on the Ulnar Entrapment Syndrome which is the zone you are saying is affected. The type of pain is usually sharp, tingling and a burning sensation. It is quite rare however.
Just read it, and that's exactly what's going on. The Guyon's canal is where the most pain is forming, that little bony part. I know I do have nerve troubles in my elbow on the same arm as the problematic wrist. I should probably look in to this a lot more
|
|
|
I had the same thing a little while ago. I had maybe 1-2 week break from starcraft and my wrist has been fine after that.
|
On September 01 2011 21:38 Pandemona wrote:Team Liquid, the E-Sports Physiotherapy centre  Go to your local GP dude :D asking google or even a non qualified DR on the internet can be very bad ^_^
Pretty much this.. get it fixed FAST before it goes even worse.
|
On September 01 2011 21:38 Pandemona wrote:Team Liquid, the E-Sports Physiotherapy centre Go to your local GP dude :D asking google or even a non qualified DR on the internet can be very bad ^_^
I will definitely end up doing that, don't like things like this progressing from something small to out of control. I was just checking to see if it was a common/fixable problem people dealt with and I was just being lame lol.
But yeah this calls for a doctors visit.
Thanks for the advice everybody!
|
It could be a variety of things... From what you are telling, it's probably NOT an entrapment syndrome.
It could be some inflammation/irritation due to overuse, repeated movement of the wrist making the tendon rub against the ligaments in that area and irritating them. It could be a fracture that hasn't really healed well because the bones of the carpal region have a poor vascular network, if you had recent trauma in that region...
The safest course is to check with a Doctor BUT BUT BUT (Not everyone has the time and this is REALLY minor), but at the same time, try just resting your hand for a few days, maybe take some Aspirin (AINS) to help and see if it improves, and avoid repeated motions.
|
Pandemona
Charlie Sheens House51475 Posts
On September 01 2011 21:41 SlightReturn wrote:Show nested quote +On September 01 2011 21:38 Pandemona wrote:Team Liquid, the E-Sports Physiotherapy centre Go to your local GP dude :D asking google or even a non qualified DR on the internet can be very bad ^_^ I will definitely end up doing that, don't like things like this progressing from something small to out of control. I was just checking to see if it was a common/fixable problem people dealt with and I was just being lame lol. But yeah this calls for a doctors visit. Thanks for the advice everybody!
Yeah i hope i didnt come over like a douche then, i was just happily stating don't consult the internet, my mum is recpetionist at a local Dr's and the Dr's go mad at there receptionst consulting the internet for advice on symptons or checking symptons on the internet.
They constantly say "I didnt go to University for 5 years to be out done by a internet search engine"
Also, they hate being told what you think your problem is,
Eg "Dr i think i have a hernia can you treat it" They think its very patronising, so i wouldnt go into the Dr and say i think i have carpal tunnel can you fix it xD
/End Rabble
PS. Hope you get better soon 
|
I had this. Turned out to be the beginnings of tendonitis. You need to go to a doc.
|
|
|
Yeah that's the spot that is giving me trouble only its on the right hand
|
On September 01 2011 21:46 Pandemona wrote:Show nested quote +On September 01 2011 21:41 SlightReturn wrote:On September 01 2011 21:38 Pandemona wrote:Team Liquid, the E-Sports Physiotherapy centre Go to your local GP dude :D asking google or even a non qualified DR on the internet can be very bad ^_^ I will definitely end up doing that, don't like things like this progressing from something small to out of control. I was just checking to see if it was a common/fixable problem people dealt with and I was just being lame lol. But yeah this calls for a doctors visit. Thanks for the advice everybody! Yeah i hope i didnt come over like a douche then, i was just happily stating don't consult the internet, my mum is recpetionist at a local Dr's and the Dr's go mad at there receptionst consulting the internet for advice on symptons or checking symptons on the internet. They constantly say "I didnt go to University for 5 years to be out done by a internet search engine" Also, they hate being told what you think your problem is, Eg "Dr i think i have a hernia can you treat it" They think its very patronising, so i wouldnt go into the Dr and say i think i have carpal tunnel can you fix it xD /End Rabble PS. Hope you get better soon
lol Doctors jealous of Google, i love it.
|
On September 01 2011 21:53 SlightReturn wrote:Yeah that's the spot that is giving me trouble only its on the right hand
yeah no difference really, hands are symmetrical anyway
anyway also try out the exercises from this video, might help you
+ Show Spoiler +
the last exercise is good for tendons
|
I had something like this, I didn't have any feeling in my left hand from my 3rd and 4th finger as well as a chunk of the rest of the hand, like you said, "the karate chop" place. This lasted for about a 6-8 months, I never went to a doctor but it went away eventually, looking back on it, I should of gone to a doctor, i'm due a visit soon any way so i'll check on it then.
|
yeah no difference really, hands are symmetrical anyway anyway also try out the exercises from this video, might help you + Show Spoiler +http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUyMNyrOHJQ the last exercise is good for tendons
Awesome, thank you. Just tried a couple of these and they really do stretch the whole wrist area out really well. I will be doing these daily for sure.
|
Here is my advice SlightReturn:
Some times I also get that pain. This is due to the way I some times hold the mouse/write on the keyboard. Try to hold your mouse a bit more straight and in a natural way and not in an slight angle. If even when you hold your mouse(write on keyboard) in a good position and the pain continues (or even when having pain without doing any work with it) then you should consult a doctor. My pains go away when I dont use the mouse in a wrong posture. Let me know if you need more advice. Hope you get better
|
If the pain is in your elbow and pinky, it is almost definitely your neck that is the problem. You need to work on your posture big time during sitting at a computer. Try a different chair and sitting up really straight as much as you can. Also, get a chair will arms that you can rest your arms on while playing... you may need wrist pads to prop your hands (not actual wrists) on.
And play less, spend less time on computer, and rest more. Make sure your pillow/bed situation doesn't screw with your neck at all.
I had the same problem especially after a car accident... it will go away if you are careful but you have to watch it or it will get worse.
|
On September 01 2011 21:46 Pandemona wrote:Show nested quote +On September 01 2011 21:41 SlightReturn wrote:On September 01 2011 21:38 Pandemona wrote:Team Liquid, the E-Sports Physiotherapy centre Go to your local GP dude :D asking google or even a non qualified DR on the internet can be very bad ^_^ I will definitely end up doing that, don't like things like this progressing from something small to out of control. I was just checking to see if it was a common/fixable problem people dealt with and I was just being lame lol. But yeah this calls for a doctors visit. Thanks for the advice everybody! Yeah i hope i didnt come over like a douche then, i was just happily stating don't consult the internet, my mum is recpetionist at a local Dr's and the Dr's go mad at there receptionst consulting the internet for advice on symptons or checking symptons on the internet. They constantly say "I didnt go to University for 5 years to be out done by a internet search engine" Also, they hate being told what you think your problem is, Eg "Dr i think i have a hernia can you treat it" They think its very patronising, so i wouldnt go into the Dr and say i think i have carpal tunnel can you fix it xD /End Rabble PS. Hope you get better soon
There is a big difference between researching what your symptoms are and presenting it to a doctor and telling the doctor what it is. If a doctor actually hates being told what you think of your own symptoms, then they shouldn't be doctors.
Either way, get it checked out, I doubt TL can help you much more, all we can do is speculate as to what it actually is.
|
Definitely visit a doc! I had the same problem after playing sc2 for several hours and while playing you can also see that my pinky is in a painful position. My answer to that was simply relaxing and doing some stretching after every game. Now its fine but your problem seems way more serious. See a doc! :3
|
If it's tendonitis (from what you can tell) I've found that Ice Dips helped mine. Basically just fill a sink or bucket with ice water and let it get really cold. Then dip your affected arm into the water for 10-15 seconds (it should be almost painfully cold). Remove your arm and repeat every 10 min or so (like every commercial break if you're watching tv). Do this for a few days and see if it helps.
Most times it does have to do with your posture/position while using the computer. Best bet is to see a doctor of course
|
Stop spaming APM and it'll be better ;-)
|
United Kingdom10823 Posts
Adding to the advice people have given, cut down on your PC use. Seeing a doctor for treatment is a great idea, and you should definitely do it. But reducing the aggravation time will help a lot as well. I had tendinitis in both of my hands (still do actually), and when it first started, I was on the PC (work, then SC2/internet) for about 12 hours a day. I pretty much cut half of that, and I feel a lot better. The pain still comes during prolonged periods on the PC (haven't gone to see the doctor about it yet, really should) but its not as bad
Hope you feel better dude
|
It's from jacking off. It's normal calm down.
|
Go see a doctor.
Is your mouse big enough for your hand?
|
From what it sounds like, to me at least, it's the typical mark-of-the-gamer thing. Any time you do a lot of consecutive mouse using it'll get sore. I have a callous where I rest my hand. A friend mine's was so calloused it actually cracked and started bleeding one time.
|
i had the same thing but not with my mouse hand but with my keyboard hand, pretty painfull.
i started watching my hand while playing and realized that my wrist is heavy bent and kinda snapped off upwards...so i put my keyboard further to the left (no more bent) and started using a pad under the wrist (no more snapped off) and the situation improved - no more pain today
|
instead of just a cloth try using a wristband might feel a little more natural idunno though, no problems here ><
|
My pinky went numb for about a month when I was in college, and my wrists hurt so badly, i could not lean against a wall with my hand, palm facing the wall without excruciating pain. I could bench press 280 pounds, but could not curl more than 30 without my wrists feeling like they were going to explode... <shrug> Wish I could still do that I played a lot more games then than I did now. I also was into rock climbing and worked out pretty frequently. All of which, led to pretty serious carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. I went to the doctor and he said it's either surgery or PT. I chose PT, hoping i wouldnt need surgery... and it really helped. Here are the exercises and stretches they had me do, which really helped.
Stretches:
-pecs - bend your arm at the elbow at 90 degree angle and place your forearm against a wall or door frame and gently rotate your torso away from your elbow. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat several times.
-biceps- hold your arm straight out to your side, rotate your palm so it's facing rearward (toward your back), grab onto a door frame or pole and rotate your torso away from your arm (similarly to your pec stretch, but with your arm straight out to the side). You should feel this stretch isolate your bicep, which is a pretty difficult muscle to stretch.
-forearms- day9 showed some pretty good stretches for your forearms. These are fairly straight forward and you should do them frequently.
wrist exercise:
-easy peasy- grab a dumbell (5 pounds at first) and hold it in your hand with your forearm on your leg or bench. Relax your wrist, then rotate your wrist upward. Do this in reps of 15 on both arms for 3 sets. Don't tire your wrist out too much. Work your way up to 15 - 20 pound weights.
There were other things the doc recommended, but doing these 4 things reduced the pain I was feeling and I have been doing them for the last 10 years (I'll never give up gaming). Hope this helps. Everyone needs to stretch every day... I'm 100% convinced the world would be a happier place, more peaceful, less road rage, fewer rage quits, if people would just take 10 minutes a day to stretch.
|
I have this problem now and have been trying to figure it out every since playing a lot more SC2 not too long after the Beta release. It is not carpal tunnel and have tried almost every known treatment for carpal tunnel outside of surgery. I play a lot of ping pong and tennis on top of Starcraft as well as spending most of my days at work on a computer for IT so this has been a difficult diagnosis. As others have stated, it is most likely tendonitis. The only low cost cure is to stop doing what it is that is creating the problem as long as it takes and usually longer to be sure. If you insist on continuing to play as I have, anti-inflamatories help mask the problem and helps some but only rest will ultimately solve your problem. In terms of treatment that gave some relief but all cost a lot of money : Chiropractor, acupuncture, Scraping (this is crazy btw but effective), Cortizone Shot (only 1 and I would take it back if I could. Massaging your forearm with acupressure is very effective for short term relief. The stretching video above is excellent as well... Yoga is also an effective low cost solution. Good luck and let me know if you find out anything outside what I wrote here... I am about to go to a doctor for the 3rd time in Sports medicine but usually it's always the same.... REST REST REST which SUCKS if you love SC2 as most of us do T_T
Edit: Also as many have stated above, posture is key! Bad form in any repetitive stress type activity will exacerbate your condition always. Good posture, chairs with arms, and the right size mouse etc are all very important. Make sure your screen is at eye level. I put my laptop on a box now and use an external keyboard to make sure I am looking straight ahead. I have gone through 3 mice looking for the perfect fit... Read and watch videos about proper form for holding mouse and make adjustments as necessary.
|
On September 01 2011 21:21 SlightReturn wrote:
Hey guys, I've been playing for SC2 for a quite a while the past few months and I've been noticing a pain on the bony part of the wrist on the pinky side(the part of the hand where you would impact a piece of wood karate chopping it). Its not really a numbness but a sharp pain. This pain is only when I am playing SC2 or surfing the internet using my mouse.
I think what is triggering the pain is that my desk is made of solid wood and when i'm using my mouse, the bony part of my wrist on the pink side is constantly being pressed on the surface for long amount of time and it just gets sore.
I checked out carpal tunnel and that seems to only really affect the thumb, index, and middle finger side of the hand. When I play guitar for hours there is no pain which also kinda insures me that its not carpal tunnel.
I was really wondering if anyone else has this same problem and has found a solution to it. I've tried putting a rag under my wrist as I play but that sometimes causes issues. I'm thinking of trying to to find a mouse pad that has a padded end but I can see that affecting how I hold my mouse which I don't really want.
Any advice/help would be appreciated!
Basically been having the same problem. Changed my mouse and gave my wrist a rest (even when I slept I made sure I wasn't sleeping on it or anything).
|
I had exactly the same problem you describe. Playing proffesional poker. Then I got a Steelseries SX mouspad. What I immediately noticed was that I was pressing on the mouse like I was sanding wood. This had gone by me completely for several years.
It used to be red and swollen. I also had some shoulder pains. It was bad enough that I bought a trackball and used my left hand for a while. Now with a lighter grip and no pressing the mouse down. Problems have completely gone away by itself no doctor required.
Hope this helps!
|
Pandemona
Charlie Sheens House51475 Posts
On September 01 2011 23:02 Demonace34 wrote:Show nested quote +On September 01 2011 21:46 Pandemona wrote:On September 01 2011 21:41 SlightReturn wrote:On September 01 2011 21:38 Pandemona wrote:Team Liquid, the E-Sports Physiotherapy centre Go to your local GP dude :D asking google or even a non qualified DR on the internet can be very bad ^_^ I will definitely end up doing that, don't like things like this progressing from something small to out of control. I was just checking to see if it was a common/fixable problem people dealt with and I was just being lame lol. But yeah this calls for a doctors visit. Thanks for the advice everybody! Yeah i hope i didnt come over like a douche then, i was just happily stating don't consult the internet, my mum is recpetionist at a local Dr's and the Dr's go mad at there receptionst consulting the internet for advice on symptons or checking symptons on the internet. They constantly say "I didnt go to University for 5 years to be out done by a internet search engine" Also, they hate being told what you think your problem is, Eg "Dr i think i have a hernia can you treat it" They think its very patronising, so i wouldnt go into the Dr and say i think i have carpal tunnel can you fix it xD /End Rabble PS. Hope you get better soon There is a big difference between researching what your symptoms are and presenting it to a doctor and telling the doctor what it is. If a doctor actually hates being told what you think of your own symptoms, then they shouldn't be doctors. Either way, get it checked out, I doubt TL can help you much more, all we can do is speculate as to what it actually is.
Erm what?
Theres a difference in what your trying to say.
Dr ive got a lump and a pain in my abdomen
to Dr ive got a hernia can u treat it please.
They are going to accept and understand the first statement, and think why are they telling me they have a hernia (even if they do have 1) Dr's dont like being told what the patient has by the patient, or whats the point in going to a Dr you might aswell go to a pharmist and ask what have you got to cure a hernia, or ring up the hospital and book yourself in for surgery?
|
Uhh all I can recommend is a GEL padded mouse pad, it is more malleable and probably like a waterbed is good for your spine, it is good for your wrist. I have used one for many years and I have never had any trouble.
|
most likely your flexor digitorum profundus tendon which resides in your carpal tunnel. you might have to exercise your wrist some, maybe wear a type of brace. at worse it is from carpal tunnel and you need to cut your flexor retinaculum to relieve the tension.
|
Just take a rest. Spend at least 4 days with little activity on your computer, and no gaming. In most of the cases the pain should go away. If it doesnt, or if it comes back, see a doctor.
|
Carpal test is pretty easy and simple to test for if you go to a doctor (at least it was for me).
One of the signs that you have carpal tunnel (if this is the case) is that your wrists will be worse at night.
I was diagnosed and this is what helped me... I stopped lifting weights, cut down on my starcraft, used wrist splints (at least at night when it was worst) and probably what helped the most was that I learned to use the mouse with my left hand. When I'm at the office, I'll use the mouse with my left hand, but when I'm home I'll use the mouse with my right hand and this cuts down A LOT on the wrist stress. It's actually not to hard to learn to use a mouse with your opposite hand...just need a little practice. In general try to keep your wrists as straight as possible (assuming carpal tunnel is the cause). Some suggest subliminal vitamin B12 tablets help because supposedly it is an important nutrient for nerve health, yet much of B12 actually doesn't get assimilated by the body because of how difficult it is to digest.
I would be VERY curious to know how many starcraft players suffer from carpal tunnel as many may not even realize they have it.
|
Thanks for all the advice guys, all this info should really help. I will try the stretches and correcting my posture. My posture can be pretty bad at times and it doesn't help playing on a lap top. I will also try dipping my arm ice cold water to try and reduce inflammation if there is any and scheduling a doctors appointment if needed as well. Most importantly though, I'll give my wrist a needed rest, guess ill be just watching streams now 
Thanks again for all the advice I really appreciate it.
|
It's ok man i'll diagnose you thruogh the internet.
|
Looking for medical advice on the internet is always a bad idea. Go see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis.
|
Just need to learn to use the mouse in your opposite hand then
|
Please go see a doctor. It's your own health so it's very important for you to take proper care of it. Don't rely on people here making a bunch of speculations based on their google searches. TL really isn't the best place to ask this kind of questions.
|
Bit of a bump here, but I have the same problem and also a bit of pain in my thumb and the meaty area between the thumb and wrist, I don't really feel any pain in the wrist, sometimes it feels a bit uncomfortable, is this a sign for CTS? It's not that painful, and I'd rather not go to the doctor cause my parents will probably freak out and make me stop my studies (Studying IT). But if I just treat it myself (Resting, stretches, etc..) will that be fine? Or can that doctors actually do something to make it go away.
Lets say I do have it, is there a way to fully recover and play 8-10 hrs a day, assuming I take frequent breaks, and do my stretches.
Kinda sucks, I don't wanna completely stop gaming.
EDIT: And my neck is feels like it's kinda cramped when I move it to the side and get a bit of pain, but only on one side.
|
On September 02 2011 08:20 Fungal Growth wrote:
Carpal test is pretty easy and simple to test for if you go to a doctor (at least it was for me).
One of the signs that you have carpal tunnel (if this is the case) is that your wrists will be worse at night.
I was diagnosed and this is what helped me... I stopped lifting weights, cut down on my starcraft, used wrist splints (at least at night when it was worst) and probably what helped the most was that I learned to use the mouse with my left hand. When I'm at the office, I'll use the mouse with my left hand, but when I'm home I'll use the mouse with my right hand and this cuts down A LOT on the wrist stress. It's actually not to hard to learn to use a mouse with your opposite hand...just need a little practice. In general try to keep your wrists as straight as possible (assuming carpal tunnel is the cause). Some suggest subliminal vitamin B12 tablets help because supposedly it is an important nutrient for nerve health, yet much of B12 actually doesn't get assimilated by the body because of how difficult it is to digest.
I would be VERY curious to know how many starcraft players suffer from carpal tunnel as many may not even realize they have it.
Honestly, it sounds to me like the dr told you what they told me.... And any relief you are getting could be placebo effect.
I did all that and it kind of went away, then came back worse sometime later before i really fixed it. I consulted 6 drs + my sister who is a surgeon (and has the basic training) and none of them really knew how to fix it.
If you have to give up lifting weights etc i would argue the treatment hasnt worked. I Recommend dr sarno's books/teachings. That cured me. I went from intense pain in both hands and shoulders from barely looking at a keyboard to being able to play 12 hrs straight no probs (if i wanted). Check dr sarno's books on amazon etc.
Written on my ipad so excuse the grammar etc
|
On September 12 2011 21:48 Benzzro wrote:
Bit of a bump here, but I have the same problem and also a bit of pain in my thumb and the meaty area between the thumb and wrist, I don't really feel any pain in the wrist, sometimes it feels a bit uncomfortable, is this a sign for CTS? It's not that painful, and I'd rather not go to the doctor cause my parents will probably freak out and make me stop my studies (Studying IT). But if I just treat it myself (Resting, stretches, etc..) will that be fine? Or can that doctors actually do something to make it go away.
Lets say I do have it, is there a way to fully recover and play 8-10 hrs a day, assuming I take frequent breaks, and do my stretches.
Kinda sucks, I don't wanna completely stop gaming.
EDIT: And my neck is feels like it's kinda cramped when I move it to the side and get a bit of pain, but only on one side.
Tbh most doctors probably can't do much... Its a very complicated subject. I don't know if there is much point sharing my recovery experience as i doubt i would be believed. If someone else told me i'd probably call bs if I hadnt experienced it myself.
In any case it is possible to cure rsi, i have done it. Yes i went to drs, no they didnt help. Go ahead try it, but i doubt they will have a long term solution except for "don't use computers" which doesnt help.
So basically try drs first, you could get lucky, and if they help you great, but look elsewhere if it gets worse despite dr advice.
|
On September 12 2011 22:00 Rarak wrote:Show nested quote +On September 02 2011 08:20 Fungal Growth wrote:
Carpal test is pretty easy and simple to test for if you go to a doctor (at least it was for me).
One of the signs that you have carpal tunnel (if this is the case) is that your wrists will be worse at night.
I was diagnosed and this is what helped me... I stopped lifting weights, cut down on my starcraft, used wrist splints (at least at night when it was worst) and probably what helped the most was that I learned to use the mouse with my left hand. When I'm at the office, I'll use the mouse with my left hand, but when I'm home I'll use the mouse with my right hand and this cuts down A LOT on the wrist stress. It's actually not to hard to learn to use a mouse with your opposite hand...just need a little practice. In general try to keep your wrists as straight as possible (assuming carpal tunnel is the cause). Some suggest subliminal vitamin B12 tablets help because supposedly it is an important nutrient for nerve health, yet much of B12 actually doesn't get assimilated by the body because of how difficult it is to digest.
I would be VERY curious to know how many starcraft players suffer from carpal tunnel as many may not even realize they have it. Honestly, it sounds to me like the dr told you what they told me.... And any relief you are getting could be placebo effect. I did all that and it kind of went away, then came back worse sometime later before i really fixed it. I consulted 6 drs + my sister who is a surgeon (and has the basic training) and none of them really knew how to fix it. If you have to give up lifting weights etc i would argue the treatment hasnt worked. I Recommend dr sarno's books/teachings. That cured me. I went from intense pain in both hands and shoulders from barely looking at a keyboard to being able to play 12 hrs straight no probs (if i wanted). Check dr sarno's books on amazon etc. Written on my ipad so excuse the grammar etc
What works for him doesn't necessarily work for you or some of the others.
And I agree with your next post in that he should go see a doctor.
|
Because it's a health thing I'm going to add my two cents and say - See a doctor. It couldn't hurt to see a professional and he might just end up suggesting you should buy one of those mouse-pads with the fake breast looking chicken fillet thing. My bro's likely got CT from gaming but 'touch wood' it doesn't turn out too bad.
|
Hey guys physiotherapy student here. Physio is probably a far better treatment than a doctor for any kind of overuse injury - most of these come hand in hand with postural problems. A physio can help with activity modification, stretches and strength exercises for the long term, doctors mainly give shorter term treatments (anti-inflammatories, cortisone, rest etc)
Just be aware - if you go numb or get pins and needles or a burning sensation over an area it usually means a nerve is irritated. This can happen either locally (ie at the wrist) or at the spine (your neck). You might also lose some strength.
For tendinitis/tendinosis/tendinopathy (this is a better word), pain will probably be more activity dependent - if the tendon is being used under tension, it will be uncomfortable.
|
Pinky side pain usually means cubital tunnel syndrome, which is the same as carpal, except the nerve is pinched at your elbow, not your wrist.
There's not much you can do. Use that arm and hand less, maybe wear a splint or brace when you sleep so you dont bend it in a weird way for hours. I have cubital and tried everything: yoga, chiropractor, PT, and surgery. Nothing works except for not engaging in the activity that causes it.
|
Go see a doctor / physiotherapist. If you have pain you need a proper diagnosis from a professional.
To prevent injuries (all kind of): Stay healthy. Do sports / stretches.
|
Well, you've got to keep your priorities in mind! Yes your health is important, but when you feel you're on top of the world (as you must) you don't wanna loose that spot.... practice more! Well, you might want to get a personal therapist/messuse to massage your arm in the down-time, but don't feel too much pressure. You never know, if there's a really big match/exam/event coming up there's always the possibility of a typhoon coming along and delaying it!
+ Show Spoiler +As long as you don't get Jangbanged you should be ok...... :}{
:E I've been feeling the same thing actually, so I switched fap-hand and wrapped my wrist with bandage and after a few days it went away (:
|
It could be just callouses. Similar to ones you get on your fingertips when you play the guitar.
And it looks like this http://i.imgur.com/03p0K.jpg Also its called The mark of the gamer :D
|
Im having this right now, and it is killing me.
Like its a sharp, incredibly painful pain. I went to see a doctor and he just told me to get a brace, doesn't seem to be helping that much. Don't even use the computer as much anymore either.
|
On September 12 2011 23:13 rogzardo wrote:
Pinky side pain usually means cubital tunnel syndrome, which is the same as carpal, except the nerve is pinched at your elbow, not your wrist.
There's not much you can do. Use that arm and hand less, maybe wear a splint or brace when you sleep so you dont bend it in a weird way for hours. I have cubital and tried everything: yoga, chiropractor, PT, and surgery. Nothing works except for not engaging in the activity that causes it.
It's not the same nerve as in carpal, and that nerve can also be pinched at your wrist to show similar symptoms.
Once again to OP and others asking for advice here: There are many syndromes with varying mechanisms and different treatment options when it comes to things like this. Go talk to a health professional who will at least give you a proper diagnosis.
|
Oh noes I have a syndrome!!
In reality, you just have a gamer's wrist. It's the main reason why decent gamers spend money making sure their chair, mouse and mousepad is comfortable. My Razer Mantis covers a huge portion of my desk for the mouse area, my wrists are generally never hitting the wooden part of my desk, if they do, I start to get pain in them for sure, especially when I play sc2 for long stints, it's normal and unavoidable during computer usage.
When I was younger and my wrists had to arch up a little, I had red marks on my wrists like I was being tortured, lol. At least at that age, you can't damage yourself as easily.
|
I used to have a lot of Wrist pain and it would extend down into my pinky. However, what I think you have is not Carpel tunnel, but a compression of the Ulnar Nerve through bad posture.
I had the same symptoms and had a Carpel test done, and found out my Carpel is very healthy. I actually figured out from a Physiotherapist that it was due to bad posture. So I got a lower back support, and really started focusing on ergonomics, and Im proud to say that this has helped me amazingly, and can game with little to no pain. If your slouched, and shoulders are not square, then you compress the ulnar nerve that runs down your shoulder to your fore arm to your pinky finger and the one next to it.
Good luck.
Here is a picture.
http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=ulnar nerve diagram&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&rlz=1C1CHFX_enCA446CA446&biw=1571&bih=821&tbm=isch&tbnid=ANik2WUzKirqGM:&imgrefurl=http://www.coreconcepts.com.sg/mcr/last-and-ring-finger-numbness-in-cyclists/&docid=XhlxMP2wJIn3EM&w=230&h=213&ei=oi5uTuexOKTRiALl-rWmDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=225&vpy=87&dur=66&hovh=170&hovw=184&tx=129&ty=166&page=1&tbnh=167&tbnw=180&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0
|
After all the injuries I've seen progamers have with their wrists due to excess strain while playing sc2, I would 100% recommend seeing a doctor.
|
had this. couldnt play guitar or games without numb, pain for weeks. took time off and did the exercises daily for a few weeks. RSI and related injuries, in my experience, are related to stress in life just as much as physical stress.
|
On September 13 2011 01:05 Hasuu wrote:I used to have a lot of Wrist pain and it would extend down into my pinky. However, what I think you have is not Carpel tunnel, but a compression of the Ulnar Nerve through bad posture. I had the same symptoms and had a Carpel test done, and found out my Carpel is very healthy. I actually figured out from a Physiotherapist that it was due to bad posture. So I got a lower back support, and really started focusing on ergonomics, and Im proud to say that this has helped me amazingly, and can game with little to no pain. If your slouched, and shoulders are not square, then you compress the ulnar nerve that runs down your shoulder to your fore arm to your pinky finger and the one next to it. Good luck. Here is a picture. http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=ulnar nerve diagram&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&rlz=1C1CHFX_enCA446CA446&biw=1571&bih=821&tbm=isch&tbnid=ANik2WUzKirqGM:&imgrefurl=http://www.coreconcepts.com.sg/mcr/last-and-ring-finger-numbness-in-cyclists/&docid=XhlxMP2wJIn3EM&w=230&h=213&ei=oi5uTuexOKTRiALl-rWmDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=225&vpy=87&dur=66&hovh=170&hovw=184&tx=129&ty=166&page=1&tbnh=167&tbnw=180&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0
Glad somebody else agrees with me here. Neck injuries, bad posture, bad ergonomics, etc. can all lead to that nerve being irritated. The nerve runs from your pinky, along your elbow, and if i recall at the top back part of your shoulder. If this is where you feel irritation/pins and needles, then it is that nerve that is pissed off. The higher up the weird feeling/sensitivity, then the more likely it isn't just how you are holding your wrist itself.
That link has some good advice, too.
Main thing to remember, keeping your body in the same cramped up position for a long time isn't good for it. Move around, change positions, etc.
|
|
|
I had the same thing....what I did is:
1. Stretched between games.
2. Fixed my posture and wrist position during gameplay.
3. Exercised my wrist(no, i don't mean masturbation =P).
It completely stopped my wrist pain.
If it doesn't help, you should see a doctor.
|
gangleon?
maybe some sort of RSI, go to a doctor!
|
This image always comes to mind, a true tell way to know if someone has played tons of starcraft.
Please, PLEASE go to a doctor before it develops into something worse that may need surgery.
![[image loading]](http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/579/86624016.jpg)
|
On September 13 2011 06:51 Scheme wrote:
I had the same thing....what I did is:
1. Stretched between games.
2. Fixed my posture and wrist position during gameplay.
3. Exercised my wrist(no, i don't mean masturbation =P).
It completely stopped my wrist pain.
If it doesn't help, you should see a doctor.
This definitely works.
I was getting REALLY bad pains too in my mouse hand.
I'm on the computer 12+ hours a day, Working 4-6 hours a day and 6-8 hours of Starcraft.
It was all I was doing and it got really bad on my hands.
I started doing real exercise (gym) after work, and stretching my hands and wrists before work\play, and being wary of my posture and positioning when working\playing and it cleared right up.
|
Take a break from the computer for a few hours. If the problem continues, seek a doctor about that. ^_^
|
Thanks for the awesome replies guys, gonna fix my posture and if still hurts after a week, gonna go to the doctors
|
Little bump, went to the doctors, where they pressed down on the hand/wrist but I didn't feel any pain and they said it might be due to a pinched nerve in the neck (I've got a bit of a cramp on one side of the neck), is it really possible for that little pinch to cause pain to both my hands, cause I'm not really sure. Cause I may have to go to the physio or something because the test was really quick, not sure if I can trust that!
|
also make sure you are not sleeping on your side, "on your elbow" this can cause numbness and delay recovery time by slowing down blood to your wrist/hand area.
|
Bump again. I went to the physio a few times who said it's probably RSI but nothing to bad and should clear up in a few weeks and gave me exercises to do. But now I'm actually starting to wake up with pain in my fingers which goes away after like 10 minutes, but the pain I think is getting a little worse. I'm basically using a stress ball a lot since it seems to make the pain go away for a bit, is it bad to use a stressball too much?
And does anyone have any idea what it could be, I get no pain in my wrist just my thumb and if I press down my palm it starts to get uncomfortable and now my fingers are starting to hurt, if I press my fingers into my hand it doesn't hurt at all, don't really want to go to the doctors again cause I already have been
|
When your whole system is strong, any activity that pushes the body beyond, will make it stronger in the part you pushed (example: bodybuilding, running, exercise in general).
When your whole system is NOT strong (99.9% of the population falls in this category), any activity that pushes the body beyond, will break it (in the part that was pushed, in this case, your wrists).
You probably eat poorly, don't rest enough, maybe even smoke, do drugs or alcohol, or just have bad habits, which coupled with playing StarCraft for hours at a time, ends up breaking your body (posture, wrists, elbows, eyes, etc).
I don't know how old are you, but what you are feeling, is what people feel when they are getting old, and the only way to counter it, is with good habits.
I used to play Lineage, and for 2 years I was playing maybe 16 hours a day.
I got tendinitis on both my wrists to the point where I couldn't press with my hand because the pain was too intense, let alone do any kind of handstand or even push-ups.
I quit playing so much, started doing exercise (specially tai chi, or wing chun, or any martial art which puts emphasis on the tendinous tissues), stopped drinking so much Coca Cola, started getting up earlier, started eating a little better, etc.
After only a few months I was completely cured. I can walk on my hands now and I feel absolutely nothing.
Rest more, eat properly, don't play so many hours at a time, do more exercise, stretch between games, stretch before going to bed, stretch when you wake up....
You'll be fine in no time.
Good luck!!!
Fungal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPT
