Extensive computer use or gaming can cause severe pain in the wrist and thumb area, now known as computer tunnel syndrome (trademarked!).  Many gadget users like myself joke that our wrist pain is carpal tunnel syndrome, but that is not technically true.  Long periods of repetitive motions like typing or gaming can lead to pain, such as bursitis and tendonitis, but are often more like cramps or stress.  The Mayo Clinic found that heavy computer use did not increase a person’s risk to developing carpal tunnel syndrome, but constant computer use can lead to physical pain.  Here are a few suggestions to keep your hands healthy so you can continue typing until everything is done telepathically.

Wrist guards

Pick up one or two wrist guards from your local drug store.  While typing or gaming, wear the guard to limit movement in your wrists and help limit any pain you might feel.  Can work preventively or help alleviate a current problem if you cannot take long breaks.

Take breaks

Take a good 10-20 minute break every hour if you can.  Stretch your wrists out (see below) to avoid cramping up in your locked typing positions

Stretch

Stretch before, during and after you type or game, just like a real sporting event.  Here are some good stretches to try.

Stop when it hurts

This sounds obvious, but is hard to do.  You have deadlines or just one more level to beat.  It’s hard to stop.  But if you’re body is telling you it hurts, listen and take a break.

Ergonomic keyboards, mic, pads, etc.

When you can’t avoid it, find the most comfortable keyboard and mouse.  I find the more ergonomic ones less comfortable, but it’s worth going to your local electronics store and testing them out.  Mice where your pointer finger is raised lessen stress and curved keyboards provide more natural hand placement.  Also make sure you have a comfortable workspace.  Proper keyboard posture expects you to keep your wrists about perpendicular to your hand.  Gel pads to keep in front of your keyboard help with this.