If you experience wrist/finger pain/tingling while playing OSU! there's no cause for alarm, though there is cause for concern. Pain, numbness, or tingling can be caused by a few things, the most common being Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This doesn't mean you need to stop playing, but simply take some precautionary measures so it doesn't get worse.
So what is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Basically, it's pain, tingling, and other problems in your hand caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, which in turn is caused by swelling in the Carpal Tunnel.
Is that bad?
Yes, it can be if left untreated and gets worse. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause Peripheral neuropathy, which means your nerves don't work as they should. This could mean anything from weakness, to pain, to difficulty controlling effected muscles.
How did I get Carpal Tunnel?
Since you're here on the OSU! forums, it's most likely that you got it from making the same hand movements over and over, especially if the wrist is bent down (your hands lower than your wrists), or making the same wrist movements over and over while playing. That might not be the only reason, though. Carpal Tunnel has been linked to Diabetes, Thyroid problems, and smoking.
How do i get rid of it?
Unless the pain is severe (in which case, immediately see a doctor) you can often do small things to relieve and lessen the pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
1. STOP PLAYING. The first (and most important) is often the most obvious. Now, this doesn't mean you need to stop playing completely, you just need to take frequent and regular breaks while playing. If you feel a tingling sensation while playing, you should stop, and wait until a few minutes after the feeling is completely gone before resuming play.
2. ICE Ice your wrist and hand for periods of 10-15 minutes 1-2 times an hour. It might sound excessive, but the key here is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is inflammatory, and ice is easy to obtain and use as treatment.
3. Taking Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is often a recommended treatment by doctors. They're readily available in many places and forms, but i'd suggest consulting a doctor before use.
4. Adjust your play style.
a. For those of you with pain in your pen hand, you should adjust the play size of your tablet so that you have more free movement of your wrist. Making small, repeated movements is a no-no.
b. Raise/lower your chair or play position so that your wrists rest at nearly a level plane with your arms, but tilted slightly upward. Relax your shoulders when they rest at your sides.
c. Immobilizing your wrist and hand. Wearing a splint to keep your hand a wrist straight can be useful for combating Carpal Tunnel while you sleep (though it may take some getting used to).
5. If you have elevated pain, and what I suggest here does little to help, I REALLY recommend seeing a doctor. There can be many other more serious problems related with pain and discomfort like this, serious cases of Carpal Tunnel require surgery to relieve pressure on your median nerve.
How can i prevent it?
In addition to anything I've said already, stretching and frequent breaks are excellent. Preventing the advancement of Carpal Tunnel through stretching is really easy, but instead of explaining it here, you should check out Youtube for exercises you can do at home, like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... TxQqu9USC4
And that's it! If you still have questions, you can ask them here, ask a doctor, or ask Google. OSU! ON!
So what is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Basically, it's pain, tingling, and other problems in your hand caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, which in turn is caused by swelling in the Carpal Tunnel. Is that bad? Yes, it can be if left untreated and gets worse. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause Peripheral neuropathy, which means your nerves don't work as they should. This could mean anything from weakness, to pain, to difficulty controlling effected muscles. How did I get Carpal Tunnel? Since you're here on the OSU! forums, it's most likely that you got it from making the same hand movements over and over, especially if the wrist is bent down (your hands lower than your wrists), or making the same wrist movements over and over while playing. That might not be the only reason, though. Carpal Tunnel has been linked to Diabetes, Thyroid problems, and smoking. How do i get rid of it? Unless the pain is severe (in which case, immediately see a doctor) you can often do small things to relieve and lessen the pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:1. STOP PLAYING. The first (and most important) is often the most obvious. Now, this doesn't mean you need to stop playing completely, you just need to take frequent and regular breaks while playing. If you feel a tingling sensation while playing, you should stop, and wait until a few minutes after the feeling is completely gone before resuming play.
2. ICE Ice your wrist and hand for periods of 10-15 minutes 1-2 times an hour. It might sound excessive, but the key here is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is inflammatory, and ice is easy to obtain and use as treatment.
3. Taking Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is often a recommended treatment by doctors. They're readily available in many places and forms, but i'd suggest consulting a doctor before use.
4. Adjust your play style.
a. For those of you with pain in your pen hand, you should adjust the play size of your tablet so that you have more free movement of your wrist. Making small, repeated movements is a no-no.
b. Raise/lower your chair or play position so that your wrists rest at nearly a level plane with your arms, but tilted slightly upward. Relax your shoulders when they rest at your sides.
c. Immobilizing your wrist and hand. Wearing a splint to keep your hand a wrist straight can be useful for combating Carpal Tunnel while you sleep (though it may take some getting used to).
5. If you have elevated pain, and what I suggest here does little to help, I REALLY recommend seeing a doctor. There can be many other more serious problems related with pain and discomfort like this, serious cases of Carpal Tunnel require surgery to relieve pressure on your median nerve.
How can i prevent it? In addition to anything I've said already, stretching and frequent breaks are excellent. Preventing the advancement of Carpal Tunnel through stretching is really easy, but instead of explaining it here, you should check out Youtube for exercises you can do at home, like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... TxQqu9USC4And that's it! If you still have questions, you can ask them here, ask a doctor, or ask Google. OSU! ON!