Life Hackery

You’re playing a computer game with a friend, and you’re showing off your mad skills. Years of practice with your favorite game has taught you new techniques and strategies to win. For the better part of two hours, you’re shrugging off the pain in your finger-joints. Right in the middle of a very important stage, you suddenly drop the controller, and scream out in pain. You’re too young to have arthritis or rheumatism, but you’re now in the verge of an attack of gamer’s grip, also called Nintendinitis.

Almost everyone talks about repetitive stress injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and usually think that these maladies happen only to people who work with computers. People who play computer games for long periods of time can suffer from joint pain and cramps in their wrists and hands. Nintendinitis is not as dangerous or as debilitating as carpal tunnel syndrome, but it is still very painful and could put you on the sidelines for at least a week.

A good long rest and a break away from the game is all it takes to relieve the pain. Like any illness, the best way to get rid of Nintendinitis is to avoid it. Here are some ways to help you avoid gamer’s grip, and get a grip back on your game.

1. Use All Your Fingers

A common mistake shared by many console gamers is that they only use their thumbs to manipulate the controller. Most game controllers are designed to maximize the use of your thumb, but that doesn’t mean that you should depend solely on it to play the game. If you use only your thumbs to manipulate the controller, the stress and pressure is concentrated in it.

As much as possible, try to use all your fingers when you play a console game. Not only do you distribute the stress and pressure all over your hands, but you can also improve your performance in the game. It takes a bit of getting used to, but in time you’ll see a significant improvement not only on your hands, but also on how you play the game.

2. Tilt the Controller Sideways

Many console controllers put your hands in an unnatural position, especially if you don’t use the directional sticks. Instead of a relaxed position, your hands are forced to contort outward. It may look like a very natural and ergonomic position, but you’re actually exerting a lot of pressure on your wrists and tarsal bones. Your thumbs and fingers also need more effort to reach the right buttons.

While there are some games that are best played with just your thumb, it’s best to position the controller on your lap and tilt it sideways. Tilt the controller in such a way that you rest your hands in the most natural position possible. Make sure that the controller is flat on your lap, and does not interfere with the way you play the game.

Here’s a good position that you can try:

• Position the controller in such a way that the directional keys are tilted away from you, and the command keys face towards you.
• Place your left hand sideways over the directional pad, and your fingers over the command keys. You’ll notice that your hands are more relaxed, although it takes a bit of getting used to.
• Shift the controller every now and then to keep blood circulating through your arms and hands.

3. Handkerchief Over the Controller

Another way that you can ease the stress on your hands and fingers is to place a handkerchief on top of your controller, and manipulate the keys through the cloth. Many console games, especially fighting games and action/adventure games, require complicated and quick commands that can be very harsh on your finger joints and wrist joints.

A handkerchief acts as a protective barrier that prevents your hands and your fingers from locking up. It’s very useful especially for games that require commands like quarter-circle and half-circle motions. Most gamers prefer to cover up only the directional keys, but you can also drape the handkerchief over the entire controller. A handkerchief is also more affordable than a customized RSI-proof game pad.

4. Wrap Your Wrists

Another effect of gamer’s grip is damage to the wrist because of shock and excess movement. Air conditioning and cold air can also lead to damage to your wrists. You can develop problems like sprains, bone spurs, or even fractures because of gamer’s grip.

You can prevent this by turning off the vibrating function of the game pad, or wrapping your wrists with a handkerchief, splint, or a bandanna. Make sure that you wrap your wrists tight enough to allow enough freedom of movement, particularly for really intense games.

5. Place a Cushioned Grip Over the Joystick

If you play at arcades, you may notice that joysticks are topped with plastic balls without a cushion. Depending on how you hold a joystick, the design can cause problems for your palms and fingers. Many gamers have adapted techniques to get around this problem by controlling the joystick with the side of the hand. For maximum control, you need to properly grip the joystick.

You can minimize the shock and strain of using a joystick by placing a soft grip around the joystick knob. The grip can be made of anything from an old sponge, a soft rubber ball, or a tennis ball cut in half. The grip prevents damage that you can sustain from improper grip, or if you play arcade games a bit longer than usual. (Tips on how to use a joystick)

Computer games are a great way to pass the time, but you don’t have to spend time with the chiropractor just because of a serious hand injury. With these tips, you can hack away at evildoers – or your opponent – without having to scream in pain. You also have the added advantage of developing new skills, moves, and techniques to lay the smack down on the peons that get in the way of your gaming greatness. If you enjoy reading this article, you’ll surely be interested in learning the Top Ten best consoles in the video game industry.