Online gaming is becoming an increasingly popular hobby among people of all ages – and with an estimated three-quarters of all U.S. households having at least one gamer, it is an integral part of American culture. This love for gaming, however, has been attributed to a rise in repetitive-stress hand and wrist injuries, particularly “gamer’s thumb.”
Many hand and wrist injuries develop from quick, repetitive motions, and usually because the person isn’t taking an adequate number of breaks. Over time, these motions can cause irritation and inflammation within the delicate tissues and structures of the hand and wrist.
Common Hand Injuries from Playing Online Games
The most frequently occurring gaming injuries include the following:
Gamer’s Thumb (de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis)
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is now also called gamer’s thumb, and it used to be called “washer woman’s syndrome.” It is a painful condition that affects the tendons in the wrist that are responsible for moving the thumb. Tendons are the tough tissues that attach muscles to bones.
The tendons in the wrist and lower thumb usually glide smoothly through a small sheath between the wrist and the base of the thumb. However, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis causes inflammation and thickening of the sheath’s lining (which is known as the synovium) around the tendons, and this can make any movement of the thumb very painful.
Although doctors do not know exactly what causes de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, it is thought to be triggered by repetitive motions in the hand and wrist (common during gaming) that can irritate the sheath around the tendons. The condition can come on suddenly, but more often it develops over time.
The main symptoms tend to include:
- Pain, soreness, and swelling near the base of the thumb
- Pain or difficulty moving the thumb and wrist, such as while pinching, wringing, or grasping
- Numbness along the thumb and index finger
- A sticking or snapping sensation when moving the thumb
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression or entrapment of the median nerve in the wrist. Gaming, typing, and other activities that involve repeatedly bending your wrist or gripping hard can cause the condition.
The median nerve runs from the arm down through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The nerve carries signals to the hand and fingers (except the pinkie) for sensation and muscle movement. The condition develops when the tunnel, which normally gives plenty of room and protection for the median nerve, is compressed and becomes inflamed. This inflammation causes swelling around the area, which narrows the tunnel and compresses the nerve.
If the median nerve becomes compressed, it cannot function properly – and can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, wrist, and arm. This can make activities that involve grasping and gripping difficult or impossible.
Trigger Finger/Thumb
Trigger finger and trigger thumb (medically referred to as stenosing tenosynovitis) can occur when the tendons in a thumb and/or finger do not glide smoothly, causing them to catch or get stuck when they bend. The condition can make it difficult to straighten out the finger or thumb and can also cause pain and swelling. The cause of the condition is not always clear, but repetitive hand use and prolonged gripping – such as during gaming – are thought to increase the chance of developing it.
When to See a Doctor
Chronic hand and wrist pain or numbness can impair function and can get worse over time without appropriate medical treatment. A doctor can diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment that works for you.
If you continue to ignore a chronic condition, it could turn into permanent disability – so it is important to simply see a physician for an evaluation. Everything is completely your decision insofar as treatment.
Hand and Wrist Care in the Greater Chesapeake
If you are experiencing pain or limited function in your hand or wrist, see a skilled physician here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Our experienced providers can diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions and injuries affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
For more information or to request a consultation at one of our offices throughout Maryland, call us today at (410) 296-6232 or you can request an appointment online now. We look forward to serving you!
