Topic: Gaming & Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

I've had a problem with my elbow since last summer, basically pain and stiffness when straightening/flexing my arm. I've tried various techniques to cure it, but I'm beginning to think I'm going to have to restrict my gaming for a while.

I don't think gaming specifically caused it, but I think it may have left me more susceptible to it and now I've got it, all that time spent holding a Switch, 3DS, Wii U gamepad, mobile phone and Kindle, is preventing it from getting better.

So I'm going to try a week or two of enforced gaming restriction (😭), although for my sanity/addiction I think I'm going to see if playing motion controls only is ok, so I'm thinking ARMS, EA Grand Slam Tennis, Wii Sports/Resort type stuff, though I'm a bit worried any extended length of time gripping anything is going to interfere with the nerve healing.

Anyone else had this and felt gaming was a contributing factor?

@gcunit Sorry for that, dood! My coworker had to get surgery for that and carpal at the same time on the same arm a couple months ago.
I have carpal, but it was cause by a break on my wrist that healed wonky. I’ve noticed that the most comfortable way to play anything is with split joycon. I can’t really use a DS that long, and most games on my OG Switch need a system grip in I’m playing handheld. The Lite variant doesn’t bother me at all, though.

@HobbitGamer Thanks darl. It's not an official diagnosis, but it's either that or golfer's elbow, but given that the number one activity I associate with getting stiffness after is holding handheld devices, I reckon it's this. Hopefully it's just a case of some proper rest for it so a bit of cold turkey is on my menu.

@gcunit Yeah, check out some stretches too. I’ve got a routine that really helps my hand after I do things in the yard or with tools. Also, ice for 15-20 at a time helps reduce the inflammation so the things aren’t as sensitive while restin them.

@gcunit I'm no expert on the condition, but while it may be gripping things that's an issue, it sounds like it could also be specifically holding up portable devices. That would require a certain amount of bend in the elbow for extended period. I've found that gaming when I can lean back and rest my hands and game controller on my legs is very comfortable for extended periods and may not aggravate your issue. If you want to have the option to game, that may be a way to do it. Though that might limit your options as far as which games and systems you could play. It may or may not work for you, but I figure it's worth mentioning. Good luck getting that sorted out.

@sdelfin Thank you, I'll keep that in mind and give it a go.

@gcunit My mother had something like that from her decades as an office worker on computers and those big calculators. She had to wear a kind of brace on her arm for a few months but she says that resolved it and hasn't mentioned it since.