OpenHealth Q&A

Dealing with Persistent Pain in Hands and Wrists: A Search for Answers

Summary: For several years, I've been grappling with significant discomfort and cracking sensations in my wrists, thumbs, and, to a lesser extent, my index fingers. This issue has escalated over time, affecting my ability to stream video games for my income. My attempts to rest have yielded no relief, and medical evaluations indicate my condition appears normal, leaving me puzzled about the underlying cause and potential remedies. About a few years back, while gaming on my PC, I began noticing discomfort in my wrists, particularly on the outer edges, near the pinky side, as well as the upper middle region. As time progressed, the pain intensified, prompting me to seek medical help. I underwent various assessments, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and physical evaluations, even acupuncture. Despite these efforts, the results were consistently normal, indicating my wrists were healthy, which contradicted my personal experience of persistent pain. Eventually, I incorporated daily vitamins into my routine and started wearing compression gloves designed for arthritis, which provided some relief. These gloves have become a constant companion whenever I'm gaming or performing any tasks involving my hands, yet lately, I've started experiencing significant pain in my thumbs as well, even more so than in my wrists. The discomfort is particularly prevalent at the joints where the thumbs connect to the hands, notably on the back side. I've also been feeling some discomfort in my index fingers, primarily in the upper section, which is used most often to knock on a door. A recent consultation about my thumb pain led to more x-rays and blood tests, which again indicated everything appeared normal. From my understanding, the results suggest I do not have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, which confounds me since my symptoms align closely with arthritis. My joints emit popping sounds while moving, especially in my wrists, fingers, and to some extent my ankles, though the latter are generally less problematic. While I enjoy full range of motion, the sensations of pain and occasional tingling in my wrists persist. The efficacy of the compression gloves seems to be diminishing, as I continue to experience discomfort, even when I wear them. Additionally, I am cautious about overusing them, having heard excessive wear may cause its own issues, but this has led to increased pain, preventing me from enjoying gaming or other activities requiring hand use. Alongside medical interventions, I have tried over-the-counter analgesics, ice treatment, and reducing hand activity for periods of several days to a week, typically limited to engaging in visual novels where minimal finger movement is required. Alas, none of these strategies have resulted in lasting relief. While less frequent use of my hands reduces pain temporarily, the discomfort rapidly returns upon resuming regular use. It's worth mentioning that I live with mental health challenges, which makes my income from streaming games crucial, thereby limiting the length of breaks I can afford to take. I'm open to the idea that my gaming habits have influenced my condition, raising the prospect of taking an extended break for healing—yet I need assurances that this will genuinely yield improvement in my situation, rather than returning to square one once I resume regular activity. Moreover, it prompts me to question why this issue has surfaced predominantly in recent years, as I had been gaming extensively for nearly a decade without similar problems. On the topic of my general health, I am a 31-year-old male, weighing between 280-300 pounds, and I lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle. Most of my day is consumed by gaming, writing on my smartphone, or watching television, with only occasional trips to the store or bathroom breaks to break the monotony. Recognizing the need to enhance my physical fitness and shed some weight, I have been working with my mental health professionals on this slow but ongoing journey. However, the persistent pain hinders my ability to exercise effectively. In addition to these issues, I deal with chronic heartburn and asthma, conditions that have been a part of my life since birth. These are largely managed through a daily inhaler and an as-needed rescue inhaler. Concerning my heartburn, I have experimented with various medications, though some raised concerns that they may have exacerbated my joint pain. After discontinuing omeprazole, the discomfort persisted, thus casting doubt on that connection. For relief, I have found a surprising remedy in copious amounts of vanilla soy milk, which is more effective than the regular version for my symptoms. Apart from that, the only medications I take are for mental health and sleep issues: bupropion and zolpidem. I live in Bellingham, Washington, which might be relevant to my healthcare journey. I have several upcoming medical appointments, but my experiences so far have been disheartening, leaving me mentally drained and eager for clarity regarding my condition and how to alleviate it. Any advice or insights from others who have faced similar challenges would be greatly appreciated.

Answers (1)

8/6/2025, 9:11:22 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are dealing with persistent pain and discomfort in your hands and wrists, which has impacted your ability to perform activities you enjoy and rely on for income. Given that you’ve already explored numerous medical evaluations and approaches with limited relief, let’s focus on potential strategies that may help you manage your symptoms more effectively.

Main Points:

1. Understanding Possible Causes: While your medical tests are returning normal results, your symptoms suggest an overuse or repetitive strain issue, which could be linked to your gaming and other repetitive hand activities.
2. Lifestyle Modifications: Consider making changes to your gaming setup and hand use habits to reduce strain.
3. Targeted Self-Care: Implement specific self-care techniques to relieve pain and improve your hand function.

Explanation:

Chronic pain that remains unexplained by standard tests can often be linked to repetitive motion injuries, even when conditions like arthritis have been ruled out. The popping sounds and cracking are not uncommon and may indicate joint or soft tissue irritation. Given your lifestyle and the demands on your hands, strategies to alleviate stress on those joints will be vital moving forward.

Next Steps:

1. Adjust Your Gaming Setup:

   • Ergonomic Equipment: Invest in ergonomic gaming mice and keyboards. These products are designed to minimize wrist and hand strain. Look for items that allow your hands to rest in a neutral position.
   • Posture: Ensure your chair and desk height promote good posture. Your elbows should be at 90 degrees, and wrists should not be bent while typing or using a mouse.

2. Incorporate Breaks:

   • Frequent Breaks: Aim for a break every 20-30 minutes. Use this time to stretch your fingers, wrists, and arms gently. Simple exercises can include wrist circles, stretching fingers back gently, and opening and closing your fists.

3. Explore Alternative Therapies:

   • Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can tailor exercises to strengthen the muscles around your wrists and hands, potentially improving stability and reducing discomfort.
   • Occupational Therapy: An occupational therapist can provide strategies specific to your gaming needs, ensuring your activities minimize pain.

4. Heat and Cold Therapy:

   • Warm compresses can promote circulation and relax stiff muscles. You can use heat pads or soak your hands in warm water.
   • Ice Therapy: After gaming or any activity that aggravates your symptoms, applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth can reduce swelling.

5. Monitor Your Symptoms:

   • Keep a Pain Diary: Document your pain levels, activities, and any relief measures taken daily. This will help identify patterns and effective strategies over time.

6. Gradual Physical Activity:

   • Start incorporating light exercises into your routine to improve overall fitness, which can help with pain management and weight loss. Simple check-ins with a fitness professional could help you create a low-impact plan that suits your needs.

Final Thoughts:

It’s important that you listen to your body and adjust your activities accordingly. While seeking relief, being patient with these changes is critical. Enhancing your gaming setup, incorporating regular breaks, and potentially introducing professional support through therapy could significantly help in managing your symptoms. If changes don’t yield relief or if your pain worsens, please consider discussing these observations with your healthcare provider in your upcoming appointments. You’re not alone in this, and with time and effort, improvement is possible.