Just like the players of any traditional sports, esports gamers are not also immune to serious injuries. Even though esports do not require much physical effort like sports like soccer etc. do, but it can still have a massive impact on one’s physical health.
Today we are going to tell you guys about some of the most common injuries in esports.
Common eSports Injuries
Eye Strain:
Eye strain is a common setback of gaming. Extended time in front of the screen, and exposure to blue light rays, a type of high energy visible light, can lead to intense eye strain and eye problems. The prolonged screen time can result in massive fatigue. Almost every other gamer is at a high risk of suffering from it.
Upper and lower crossed syndrome:
An esports player’s routine on a daily basis is more rigorous than what most people usually think. Over 70 hours of weekly practice and surviving on 5-6 hours of sleep daily, this hectic routine causes not only mental exhaustion but also a physical strain on the upper back of the body. It can turn a very remunerative six-figure career into a very long term health issue. The long game sessions sitting can cause muscle fatigue, which leads to posture problems, soreness, and muscle cramps. It all can later result in a disorder called upper crossed syndrome in which shoulder, chest, and neck muscles completely lose their balance and keeps worsening.
Its symptoms include headaches, jaw pain, shoulder pain, chest tightness, etc.
Lower crossed syndrome, on the other hand, is a disorder in which due to prolonged sitting, there is a muscle imbalance in the lower back of the body, which includes pelvis/hips.
Therefore, gamers need to monitor their posture thoroughly. They should also avoid exhausting themselves by doing more than expected.
Wrist Injuries:
Wrist injuries are the most common injuries that esports players face. There are several types of this very injury. The kind that the gamers rampantly face is the infamous carpal tunnel syndrome. It is a result of intense pressure on the median nerve. This nerve is responsible for your hand movements and the feeling of the thumb. Another cause is the repetitive movements, which gamers tend to do a lot.
Gamers can wear wrist braces, do a lot of stretching, and take breaks from time to time to prevent this injury.
Mouse Elbow and Mouse Shoulder:
As the name itself suggests, this injury is due to the frequent use of a mouse. How exactly, you may ask? Well, it is a strain that happens in the extensor tendons on the hand that attach to the elbow. These muscles help in opening your hand and bending back the wrist. Due to the muscle imbalance, the extensor tendons of the outside elbows get disrupted, causing a dysfunction known as tendinosis.
This injury results in severe pain in the thumb side of the elbow.
Like mouse elbow, the mouse shoulder is the muscle disruption of the biceps tendons, resulting in discomfort and pain in the front side of your shoulder.
Migraine headaches:
If you extensively sit in front of the screen, you are bound to get a headache. Gamers who spend so much time playing tend to get frequent headaches due to mental exhaustion. Migraine, however, is an extreme form of headaches. It can keep the person down for several days. Migraine headaches cause unbearable pain and are relieved by taking the prescribed medicines.
Bottom Line
So, these are the most frequent injuries faced by esports players. Please know that winning is important, but so is taking care of your health. No matter how much you enjoy esports, taking a break is essential for both your physical and mental well-being.
