Your thumb hurts after playing the game for a long time? you may have this syndrome

Play gameswhether on a cell phone or an electronic console plugged into a TV screen or computer, is the favorite pastime of many people. Even so, don't forget the time until you become addicted. Often play games Over time it triggers Quervain's syndrome, which is characterized by sore wrists and thumbs.

Quervain's syndrome makes wrists and thumbs sore from playing too long games

The hands and fingers move with the help of bones, muscles, and tendons to grip the console and press buttons on the joystick.

The tendons that are used repeatedly to excess will wear out and thin out, so that they eventually experience small tears. If you continue to force it, the worn tendon can become inflamed and swell.

When the swollen tendon rubs against the narrow tunnel lining it (the gray cylinder in the bottom image), it hurts the thumb. The pain can radiate to the forearm. This condition is called Quervain's syndrome or de Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Quervain's Syndrome (source: healthwise.com)

What causes Quervain's syndrome?

Reporting from WebMD, the actual cause of Quervain's syndrome is not known with certainty. However, any activity that relies on repetitive and excessive hand (including wrist and finger) movements, such as playing games; sports that use clubs or racquets, such as badminton, golf, tennis); and typing on the computer. Injury to the thumb from being crushed by hard objects can also cause this condition.

Compared to children, adults aged 30 to 50 years are more at risk of developing Quervain's syndrome. Why? They are prone to inflammation of the joints such as rheumatism and more often do strenuous work and / or repetitive activities that use their hands.

What are the symptoms of Quervain's syndrome?

The most prominent symptom of Quervain's syndrome is excruciating pain in the wrist and the bottom of your thumb. Other symptoms you need to watch out for, such as:

The base of the thumb is swollen.
The side of the wrist is swollen.

Usually the pain will appear when you hold or pinch something. The pain may get worse when you try to move your thumb or turn your wrist. In some cases, the pain can radiate down the arm.

Symptoms can occur gradually or suddenly.

How is Quervain's syndrome diagnosed?

source: healthsm.com

There are many causes for sore wrists and thumbs, not just Quervain's syndrome. To get a proper diagnosis, your doctor will look at your thumb and test for pain by pressing on your thumb and wrist.

Next, you will be recommended to do the Finkelstein test, which is a test to determine the presence of Quervein's syndrome by bending your thumbs, clenching, or turning your wrists. If it hurts, it is likely that a positive test result has this syndrome.

How to treat sore thumbs due to playing games too much

Treating Quervain's syndrome means reducing its pain and inflammation in many ways, such as taking NSAID pain relievers (ibuprofen or naproxen). Frequently applying cold water to the affected area of the hand can also relieve the pain. If that doesn't work, your doctor will inject steroids into the sheath surrounding your tendon. If within 6 months your condition improves, there is no need for further treatment.

If it still doesn't heal, the doctor will place a splint on your hand to prevent it from moving a lot. The splint must be worn every day and can only be removed after 4 or 6 weeks.

Surgical surgery to remove the tendon sheath may be needed as a last resort if none of the methods above work. Removing the protective sheath allows the tendon to move smoothly again without pain.

Whether it's wearing a splint or surgically, it's also recommended that you undergo physical therapy to build strength in your wrists, fingers, and arms. During the recovery period, you may want to avoid activities that strain your hands or make repetitive movements with your hands. Furthermore, you also need to regularly stretch your body, especially your hands to strengthen your muscles and keep your joints stable.