Esports injuries and the importance of recovery time

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Esports has of course gained a lot of popularity in recent times. It’s a burgeoning industry with millions of viewers worldwide.
Just like great players in the NFL, NBA or EPL, esports players require hours of practice in order to stay ahead of the competition. And as it gets tougher at the top, the prize pools are increasing too. The biggest tournaments have prize pools in the millions, while at the grassroots level there may be a few thousand up for grabs – much more than just an iTunes gift card.
But with people practicing for longer, injuries are becoming more common. Some of the most common injuries when it comes to esports occur in the back, neck and wrist.
Most of these injuries stem from overuse and are also similar types of injuries people might face if they’re working from a desk for eight hours a day. Professional gamers often play for 10+ hours a day, so their chances of picking up an injury (especially a Repetitive Strain Injury) are higher.
Just as injuries can cause trouble to traditional sports athletes, esports injuries can reduce the performance levels of esports players as well, and keep them sidelined for some time.
Playing through the pain is of course not a viable or recommended option as it will likely aggravate the injury. By the time any injury gets bad enough that you take notice, it clearly needs to be attended to.
Here are some of the most common types of esports injuries out there today:

  • Wrist pain: Tingling or numbness in the fingertips or hands, general discomfort or a weakness in the strength of your grip are all signs that you are dealing with wrist pain.
  • Low back pain: Tingling or numbness in the buttocks, feet or legs are all indicators of lower back pain. This kind of pain only increases when you are sitting for long periods.
  • Upper back pain: General aching or tightness at the base of your neck or shoulders is a clear indicator of upper back pain.

If you notice any of these problems it is essential that you get professional treatment right away.
There is nothing worse than having to deal with these issues for a prolonged period of time. A few weeks rest and care can help ensure you’re back in front of a computer in no time. If you aggravate the injury though, who knows how long it will be before you can fully recover.
Note: This article is not designed to offer medical advice. Consult your doctor/GP if you have a medical problem or injury.

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Image source: Arm in sling/FreeImages.com

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