The explosion of popularity in video game systems and computer usage has also led to the problem of carpal tunnel syndrome coming to the forefront of society in general. As carpal tunnel and other similar injuries continue to increase, and afflict younger and younger individuals, questions arise as to how relevant a link exists between carpal tunnel syndrome and video games. While the general assumption is made that a correlation does exist, and that kids who play a lot of video games will be at increased risk for injury as compared to those who do not, but surprisingly few studies have been done at this point to confirm or deny that. The most recent studies seem to have some unexpected and startling results.

Several recent studies funded by the federal government suggest that there actually is no connection between carpal tunnel syndrome and office work, computer use, or playing video games. While each of these things may affect certain individuals negatively, some of the studies that have been done seem to suggest that individuals who play a lot of video games or do a lot of computer work have the same percentage rate of carpal tunnel syndrome per capita than those who do not. Though, touting this study may not be the end all, be all, of an argument, because there are many injuries that are similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in nature, and many of these are believed to be a result of increased video game playing.

Though carpel tunnel syndrome is usually an affliction that affects individuals over the age of thirty, though some children have been known to have it. Injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis, and other injuries are becoming more and more common among young kids. Bitingly called Nintendonitis or Nintendo thumb by a lot of parents, the constant use of video games is the cause of many repetitive strain injuries, of which carpal tunnel syndrome is included. Not only is the problem because of the home video game systems and computer video games, but also portable video games, blackberries and game boy-like systems have only worsened the problem.

While studies suggest there is not a large difference between the number of people who get carpal tunnel syndrome playing video games and those who do not, there is no question that the prolonged playing of video games does lead to an increase in hand injuries.

article keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome , hand,wrist,pain

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