Gamers: How do you deal with Gamer's Thumb?

[beebella]

A few years ago, I hurt my thumb trying to finish GTA V. I was literally playing all day for I don't know how many days and I hurt my thumb pretty bad. When I finally finished GTA, I took a break from playing video games for a while because my thumb was in so much pain and it seems like it took months for it to finally start feeling normal again.
Now when I play certain games, my thumb will start to feel sore again, but it usually feels better after a day or so.

BUT... I just started playing the latest Life is Strange game a couple days ago and my thumb is already killing me. On top of that, I've also been trying to get the hang of Breath of the Wild, so I know that's only making matters worse. 😭

You stop playing video games, dummy

Take a break from those games that make soreness worse

Just play through the pain, bro

More than one poll option

Something else

Updates

+1 y

I also have tiny hands, so maybe I'm not meant to be using video game controllers for an extended amount of time. 😂

[petitedollbabee]

I’ve never had Gamers Thumb, taking small breaks often is very important for long gaming sessions. I also have small hands and I’m fine using a controller for long periods aslong as I’m taking breaks. I hope that your thumb corrects itself soon 😬 ouch.

[Sonorous]

The tip of my thumb would hurt all the time when I used to game since I played a loooot & used to do trickshots a lot on cod when I was younger. Hurt my thumb so bad it started turning colors.

What helped me was when I bought some soft cushioned thumbstick grips for my controller. Made it harder to move at first but I got used to it. My thumb would still hurt but not as much. I'd just switch the form I had if it hurt too bad.

[NathanDavis]

if, what you feel is a pain by the base of your thumb and that might extend to your wrist or forearm, then that is some sort of tendonitis

and for this, you can do a couple of exercises (literally exercising your thumb, lmao) and you can find these on YouTube

if you meant, hurting your actual thumb, as in the fingertip... then I don't know about it, lol

[beebella]

It's my whole thumb, my wrist feels fine. 😂

[NathanDavis]

okay, definitely more like a tendonitis which might be just starting to become an issue, so you're still on time to exercise it, lol

this one exercise is for some sort of grip (there's also one where you can grip on a glass with your full hand but make sure to really press onto it with your tumb)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ELSx9TeB84

and also try this silly one with the rubber band, lol... either of these might work for you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFQUImJjAKs

[7Phoenix7]

How exactly did you hurt it though?

Yea take a break. Or wrap your thumb with gauze

[beebella]

From playing GTA every day for hours on end with a controller that had no thumb grips or padding.

[MasseurDeMojo]

There is a stretching technique that typist use which is very effective. Do this every day, at least three times a day. Over time, your hand will feel better. Also use a compression sock for your hand while playing the games. It will reduce the effects of using the controller for a long time. Time management is a big help.

[DryGermanGuy]

I don't like controllers too much. With mouse usage (games or work) it only happens to me after a long time, maybe ten hours. I sometimes get the most brutal foot cramps when playing Wii/Wii U games standing up, though.

[AaronKrieger]

Wow, I forgot that even existed, since I have been playing on desktop instead of a console for almost a decade now. Pretty sure it rarely happened, but when it did I had just pushed through the pain, lmao.

[OldBlue]

No, but I'm currently in treatment for a severe case of cellbo.

[ColHathi]

Played games all my life and I've never heard of Gamer's Thumb 🤔 Interesting.

I did start getting pain in my wrist from using a mousepad with a cushion, but getting rid of that cushion seems to have solved it for me.

[spartan55]

@beebella🐝 loves her video games. A little too much it seems. Be aware of carpal tunnel syndrome. That's not something you want in your life.

[DizzyDesii]

Lmao this is one of the main reasons i stopped playing games as much lol! The playstation controller is so comfortable but playing on xbox controller is killer

[Friendlybro79]

Oops I pressed the wrong answer lol. I meant to say take a break so it doesn't get worse but I pressed the top one by accident.

[Still-alive]

Yeah just take small breaks here and there lol. i get it though sometimes the game is just that good and you wannna keep going lol

[love_conquers_lust]

Take a break. Or play something that doesn’t use your thumb.

[Shark_61695]

Get a controller of appropriate size... I got sore fingers when the controller was too small, getting a bigger one felt so much nicer and didn't happen again.

[HouseMoat]

Gotta learn to not play as many games. Lay off the video gaming a thons

[TallAnon]

Just keep going, after a few blisters it won't be a problem anymore.

[dolemite58]

use sports tape so u don’t get a blister 😋😂

[Slim57]

Never heard of that maybe I've just always pushed through it

[CaesarV]

I've never heard of gamer's thumb. I stopped playing long sessions years ago.

[Worst]

Start using your thumb to flick your bean

[beebella]

Feels unnatural, bro.

[Worst]

Skill issue

[ColHathi]

lmao

[ThrillSeeker01]

Find games where you can take it easy.

[rigmarole]

Keyboard and mouse...

[Anonymous]

Take a break. The games isn't going anywhere lol

[Tomisworthless]

never happened to me