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Generally speaking, when you think of occupational hazards, you might imagine people handling large and powerful machinery or breathing in noxious fumes and gas coming from potentially toxic chemicals. The jobs that take place at a desk are less likely to be regarded as a hazard for the physical health of the workers, with some mild strain often believed to be the only issue. Out of tasks performed at a desk, esports most likely take the first spot as an activity the general public would consider essentially harmless. After all, for those who are not aware of the complexities of the sector, it can seem like nothing more than playing all day, and who wouldn’t want a life of perfect leisure like that?
Of course, that is not the case, and despite the virtual nature of the work, it can and does nonetheless take a very physical toll on the participants. If you’ve just begun your career in the field and are unsure what to expect, you should know that being aware of the potential dangers is the first step in protecting yourself and ensuring you don’t fall prey to the same health issues, or at least that you minimise your risk. Here are some of the most common injuries, as well as indications on how to prevent them, and the steps you need to take to recover if you do encounter them in your career so that the disturbance and the break in your routine are kept at a minimum.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
CTS presents itself with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, a swollen feeling in the fingers and a burning sensation. You might also experience weakness when gripping objects with either one or both hands, and if you don’t treat it, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to shrinkage in the muscles, especially the ones at the base of the thumb. In gamers, carpal tunnel arises as a result of repetitive gripping and extended wrists, making it a workplace injury. If you develop this syndrome as a result of your activities in esport, you can talk to an expert solicitor who can help you get the compensation you deserve, which can aid in your recovery and make up for the finances you lost during convalescence.
Just like in the case of regular computer users, carpal tunnel can be milder or more intense. Suppose your symptoms don’t respond to traditional treatment schemes. In that case, surgery may be advisable, and you can choose between the open release or the endoscopic carpal tunnel release, with the latter being the go-to for most patients as it isn’t as invasive and requires less recovery time. To prevent CTS, make sure your gaming station is ergonomically sound, take regular breaks and remember to do some wrist stretches every now and then to release the tension that accumulates in the joints.
Eye strain
When it comes to professional gamers, eye strain falls into the category of sports injuries as it is caused by muscle overuse that occurs when you stare at your screen for too much time. If you have a habit of gaming in dim light, the strain on your eyes can be even more severe, as your eyes have to constantly adjust to make up for the different lighting. Although the visual discomfort might be minimal and easy to disregard at the moment, your eyes can become tired, and you could start noticing symptoms such as blurred vision, fatigue, headaches, pain in the neck and shoulders, photophobia, as well as eye redness and dryness. Apart from poor room lighting, the glare coming from the screen, improper viewing distance, excessive exposure to blue light and blinking much less than usual can all cause or exacerbate eye strain. Remember to take regular breaks to give yourself time to de-focus and relax. Following the 20-20-20 rule, you should look away for 20 seconds at an object located about 20 feet (or six metres) away from you after 20 minutes of intense focus.
Make sure to address your symptoms with a doctor, as you might require prescription glasses. If you’re dealing with eye dryness, you can use over-the-counter artificial tears to alleviate the discomfort and retain moisture.
Back pain
Musculoskeletal issues are unfortunately common among competitive gamers, arising from the long hours spent seated at a desk, as well as poor posture and inadequate ergonomic features. Addressing lifestyle concerns should be the first step in dealing with back pain, so make sure to have your feet on a footrest or the floor, keep your back pressed to the chair’s backrest for optimal support, avoid crossing your knees and make sure you’re not leaning into your elbows by creating an approximately 90-degree angle between the arm and forearm.
Keep your chin up and the chin tucked to avoid placing undue strain on neck vertebrae, and remember to step away from your desk regularly and stretch. Taking a few steps around will also help prevent joint stiffness and pain. If your pain is more severe and doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes, your doctor can prescribe painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication to minimise the soreness. Doing physical therapy can help as well by restoring the normal range of motion and strengthening the muscles so your back has better support.
Mouse elbow
As a repetitive stress injury, mouse elbow occurs as a result of constant wear and tear that accumulates over a long period of time. Muscle and tendon pain are the most common causes, and they can become intense and distracting if left unchecked. Getting plenty of rest and using ice can decrease the pain, but you should see a physician if the condition persists or becomes worse. While some medicines can be obtained over the counter, taking them in the long term should only happen following directions from a physician as they can result in side effects.
Gamer’s thumb is a similar condition that leads to tendon swelling along the thumb side of the wrist. It can become quite painful, and doctors typically treat it with splinting, ice or heat, as well as steroid injections that can decrease inflammation. Rest and exercise will have a beneficial impact as well and are generally all that’s needed in the milder cases.
Although esports take place in the virtual environment, the toll they can take on the body is very real. If you’re part of the community, make sure to prioritise your health and don’t ignore the signs that something may be wrong.
