What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
“Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, also referred to as CTS, is a very common condition, affecting more than 8 million people in the U.S. every year.” The condition produces tingling, numbness and hand pain, and without treatment can prevent normal hand and wrist activities.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The median nerves in our hands transmit movement and sensation messages through a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel. When the tunnel compresses the median nerve, this nerve communication gets interrupted, triggering CTS symptoms. People at higher risk include those performing small, repetitive finger movements, typists, crafters, and gamers among them.
Why Do Gamers Get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
“The majority of computer games require the player to use either a computer keyboard or some form of controller, and this often means repetitive and rapid movements of the fingers, wrists and forearms.” Since controllers primarily engage the thumb, index, and middle fingers, which CTS most commonly affects, gamers face elevated risk.
Reducing Your Risk
- Cut gaming sessions
- Take frequent breaks to stretch ligaments and tendons
- Use ergonomically-designed controllers
Early medical attention is crucial, as untreated carpal tunnel progressively worsens.
