There’s been a lot of fear mongering around video games and those who play them, and while a lot of it is not based on actual facts, there are indeed some health concerns that are directly associated with the gaming community. If you’re new to the gaming environment, you should be aware of the potential risks because all the health concerns are fully preventable as long as you implement some healthy habits.
Repetitive strain injuries
Also known as overuse injuries, repetitive strain injuries are the most common health concern associated with gaming. As the name suggests, they occur as a result of repeated use of the joints in your wrist, shoulder or hand. It is also common among workers who perform repetitive movements as part of their job, such as office employees who spend their days typing. Athletes, especially golfers, swimmers and tennis players, can end up with this type of injury as well, and some of them are even named after these endeavours. Swimmer’s arm and tennis elbow are just two examples.
Gamers are in a similar situation and can experience the same concerns due to their activities. The symptoms depend on the case but typically include weakness, stiffness, and an uncomfortable feeling akin to burning, throbbing or aching. Muscle cramps are common as well, and you can also experience numbness and a pins-and-needles feeling. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also rampant among gamers. It is caused by an inflammation of the nerves in the wrist, and the most severe cases require surgical intervention.
Although it can seem counterproductive, remaining active is crucial if you are dealing with this kind of injury. Try to use hot or cold packs to alleviate stiffness, and take anti-inflammatory medication to decrease the discomfort. If the pain persists, you might have to visit a physician so you can get professional attention.
Seizures
Some of the lighting effects in video games can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. The current warnings displayed before the first scenes of a game or music video, as well as before the beginning of a game, are the result of incidents that occurred during the 1990s when people were severely injured or even passed away as a result of game-triggered injuries. If you become wounded in a similar manner due to the lack of a warning, you should contact a personal injury solicitor who can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.
Depending on the severity of your injuries and their lasting impact on your health, you can expect a different amount. Some early studies found that people with a predisposition for seizures can minimise their risks by wearing sunglasses during gaming sessions and by staying at least three metres away from the screen.
Sedentary lifestyle
The emergence of technological devices has brought a lot of positive things in the daily lives of people from all over the world, from providing more accessible entertainment to allowing better access to information. One of its main drawbacks, however, is the increase in sedentary lifestyles in which movement is kept to a minimum, and some people don’t get any exercise at all. A sedentary lifestyle leads to obesity and increases the risk for metabolic syndrome, both of which are linked to heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic concerns.
Since the time spent gaming replaces the time spent getting exercise, BMI levels rise in children as well. A 2010 study revealed that buys who spend over an hour and a half per day gaming are over 70% more likely to become overweight. The best solution to this problem is to develop a healthy daily routine that includes plenty of time spent outdoors and moving around. Gamers don’t necessarily need to start very complex and challenging workout routines to meet their movements, but it’s essential not to spend the whole day stuck in one place.
Skin issues
Although not always documented among the adverse health effects of excessive gaming on the human body, skin issues and disorders are also quite common. Periorbital hyperpigmentation, commonly referred to as black rings around the eyes, is a well-known complaint and is typically accompanied by shoulder pain as well. Both tense postures during gaming as well as sleep deprivation are possible reasons. The Nintendo thumb, getting its name from the original Nintendo Entertainment System controller, which was first described as causing skin issues, presents with blisters and swelling that mainly occur on the thumbs but can appear on any finger.
Idiopathic plantar hidradenitis can occur as well. The condition is uncommon, with the main symptoms being tender, red-coloured lumps and nodules that appear on the palms and soles of the feet. It can also occur in people who engage in intensive physical activity, such as jogging. But the tension of gripping a console for several hours every day and spending a lot of time in the same position can trigger it as well. PlayStation Purpura causes brown skin lesions on the fingers, typically close to the skin creases on the fingers.
Chronic allergic contact dermatitis can occur as well. Redness and skin peeling appear on the fingers and hand and can cause quite a lot of discomfort. Erythema ab-igne can occur as well if the patient places their laptop in their lap or on their stomach while gaming. The heat exposure leads to EAI, a condition similar to thermal burns, which can transform into malignancies in extreme cases. PlayStation lip can also occur in gamers as a result of intense biting or chewing on the lower lip during gaming sessions to alleviate anxiety.
Gaming comes with several advantages as well, as it can foster interactions and help develop bonds between people who share similar hobbies even when they are half a world away. People who find more traditional forms of communication to be challenging can also benefit from in-game interaction. It can also boost cognitive levels and improve attention spans. However, games must be played in moderation and addition avoided. If you believe either you or someone close to you is over-reliant, you can ask for professional help.