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- Advice on playing 3DS with early carpal tunnel symptoms
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As the title suggests, I'm looking for suggestions on dealing mitigating early CTS while playing the 3DS. I have an older (not the "new" model) 3DS XL. Perhaps a grip would help? Any suggestions for my model of 3DS?
I actually haven't played 3DS since getting CTS symptoms, so I'm not sure right now that it triggers them. I did find the 3DS uncomfortable prior though so I am worried about it. I have played Switch with the Pro controller (handheld mode triggers numbness though) and PC games with the Xbox One controller with no issue, so I think a comfy grip would do the trick for 3DS. Or maybe not if weight is another factor... I'll be testing the waters today, as my copy of Metroid arrives, along with a CTS wrist strap that I hope will help in general. Suggestions here will help should that fail and I need to order a grip or whatever.
(edited 1 week ago)
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The best I’ve ever used, if you can find them. Try eBay.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XHCLFO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 CTS is Cumulative Trauma Disorder. The majority of people can reduce symptoms by not overusing the affected body parts, avoiding repetitive motion, and anti inflammatory drugs. Severe cases may never resolve without surgery. Essentially the cut a band in your wrist (the carpal tunnel) which is inflamed. It’s like the rubber band that comes on lobster claws. This immediately improves symptoms and has a very good success rate. If you’re hoping to avoid surgery, figure out what motions or wrist positions are causing this and stop for a while. What do you do for a living if you don’t mind me asking?
Never Do Yesterday What Should Be Done Tomorrow.
If at Last You Do Succeed, Never Try Again. |
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That grip for the new 3DS XL did catch my eye, so cool, I'll check pricing for the original 3DS XL version on eBay.
I'm a researcher at a university in a computational field. So yeah, I'm on a kb+m all day. Definitely kb+m gaming is out. Only my dominant hand is affected at the moment, so my PCP suggested distributing some of the mouse load to my left hand. So my current work setup is mouse of my left hand and I'm trying a trackball for my affected right hand for less wrist movement. I still get very mild finger tip numbness (no pain) after being on a computer for awhile so I haven't completely found a work solution. The best thing I have to reduce symptoms so far is my sleeping brace. Now I don't wake up with numbness that lasts the whole day! Anyway, other then getting finger numbness when playing Switch in handheld mode after about an hour, I haven't had any issues gaming with a controller. Main culprits I now of right now is #1 sleeping and #2 kb+m (mostly on the mouse I think). |
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The most important advice really is to listen to your body. If you start having pain/numbness, STOP and rest. It's so easy to ignore when the pain is still minor and you're having a good time. Moderation, do your stretches (if you weren't given any, google for it). And those games that so irritatingly nag you to take a break--heed them. If you tend to go down a rabbit hole with a new exciting game and lose hours to it, make sure you set a timer on your phone to remind yourself to pause.
I'd also suggest that you might want to look into another variety of console for your 3DS needs--2DS is pretty comfy for longer stretches and the new 2DSXL is quite a bit lighter (you can buy grips for that as well) without sacrificing screen size. Worth looking into. (Being ambidextrous with your mousing can be super helpful, don't give up on it if it's still feeling awkward!)
Friend Code: 5155-2976-5976
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irulethegalaxy posted...
The most important advice really is to listen to your body. If you start having pain/numbness, STOP and rest. It's so easy to ignore when the pain is still minor and you're having a good time. Moderation, do your stretches (if you weren't given any, google for it). And those games that so irritatingly nag you to take a break--heed them. If you tend to go down a rabbit hole with a new exciting game and lose hours to it, make sure you set a timer on your phone to remind yourself to pause. Can't comment on the 2DS bit, but I wholeheartedly agree with the rest (though I'm horrible at following through on it!). I pushed my wrist way too hard with PC gaming when I was a teen and I regret it so much now. Like TC it's really hard to do much with a mouse for extended periods anymore, especially without a soft wrist brace (which may be doing more damage for all I know, I've never been able to get a doctor to take a proper look at it). Thankfully, I've always been pretty good with my off-hand for anything short of precision work so that helps. (Sorry for rambling, just wanted to share.)
"Never underestimate this place's ability to talk about stupid crap and it's willingness to do so." -Tildepon
MHGen: Wren - HR7 Bow main; learning HH |
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onoturtle posted...
As the title suggests, I'm looking for suggestions on dealing mitigating early CTS while playing the 3DS. I have an older (not the "new" model) 3DS XL. Perhaps a grip would help? Any suggestions for my model of 3DS? I picked up the Monster Hunter grip by Hori about a year ago, shown in the video below (not me in the video). It's well made and rather comfortable for my slightly larger hands, and feels good with my wrists that are also pretty bad from many years of heavy weight lifting strain. I ordered from play Asia originally, but you may have to check there or Amazon or eBay.  |
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PolkaGnome posted...
One thing that always seems to help me is varied activity. I don't have any particular diagnosis for my various pains, but if I overdo it with one hobby I spend some time doing another. If games hurt my hands, I'll knit or spin for a while. Something to consider :)
Friend Code: 5155-2976-5976
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Thanks for the suggestions so far!
To be clear, my diagnosis as early CTS symptoms is from my PCP. He wants me to make adjustments and see if improve in a month before going to see a specialist and doing nerve conduction tests, etc. to get a more precise diagnosis. At work, I'm still trying to get used to left hand mouse usage. I use my left hand for less precise things (e.g. check my mail, using browser) or when my right hand fingers are starting to numb. Also trying to remember more keyboard shortcuts. At home, I alternate between trackball and a vertical mouse. I had one day where only my thumb went numb probably from trackball overuse. I have a thumb operated one, so mixing things up indeed helps. I'll probably post an update tomorrow after I give playing Metroid a shot tonight. |
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A few months after I got my 3ds I got a real bad case of numbness in my hands, which I think was due to the unusual grip and shape of the 3ds and the way it fits into my hands
I use the Monster Hunter grip that is made by Hori. It has helped a lot, and I can still play wicked intense gaming sessions of Monster Hunter and not have the numbess in my hands. |
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The newer Monster Hunter grips look all right, but they're for new 3DS. I think I seen one for old 3DS XL, but it seemed strange with a circle pad around the L button area.
UPS arrived late (~9pm, must've been pretty busy, they don't usually arrive in my area that late), so I only got 40 min into Metroid with my new wrist strap. I didn't encounter any issues, so neat! I find it uncomfortable to use the L/R buttons though and it needs to be used heavily and quickly in this game. I'm not used to that since I usually only play turn-based RPGs on this thing! I don't think I'm holding it properly and so I think I'll still buy one of these grips. |
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Wear a brace.
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onoturtle posted...
The newer Monster Hunter grips look all right, but they're for new 3DS. I think I seen one for old 3DS XL, but it seemed strange with a circle pad around the L button area. I have a monster hunter grip I use and an old 3ds xl silver paper mario system boxed up. I'll try to remember to see how it fits when I get home. I'm pretty sure it would fit the same. |
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irulethegalaxy posted...
The most important advice really is to listen to your body. If you start having pain/numbness, STOP and rest. It's so easy to ignore when the pain is still minor and you're having a good time. Moderation, do your stretches (if you weren't given any, google for it). And those games that so irritatingly nag you to take a break--heed them. If you tend to go down a rabbit hole with a new exciting game and lose hours to it, make sure you set a timer on your phone to remind yourself to pause. If your body's bossy, then don't listen. I don't like when my eyes decide to water for no reason when playing.
Forget what you've already won and focus on the current match. Main FC: 4313-5212-1176 IGN Matthew
If we all hold on together, our dreams will never die. |
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Thorspider posted...
onoturtle posted...The newer Monster Hunter grips look all right, but they're for new 3DS. I think I seen one for old 3DS XL, but it seemed strange with a circle pad around the L button area. Glad you mentioned about having an old 3dsxl. Tried the Monster Hunter hori grip and it doesn't fit. The system itself it a similar size, but the shoulder buttons on the old one are too big to fit into the plastic mold of the grip. |
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Thanks for trying it out. I ordered a cheapo $5 one old for 3DS XL on amazon. But I wanted to give that a shot first before following the more pricey eBay prices for the other recommendation above, the dreamgear grip.
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I have the silicone grip and it works wonders; I don't know how I got around without it.
For CT though, have you considered the KI:U stand? it pretty much alleviates all pressure on your hands and at least in theory would be ideal for CT sufferers.
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TC i'm a music teacher and about 7 years ago about half a dozen doctors told me i had CTS and i needed to stop my employment immediately. They were all wrong though, I had a combination of adrenal fatigue and cubital tunnel syndrome which only mimics the symptoms. Adrenal fatigue creates too much cortisol which eventually causes loss of blood flow and then muscle atrophy and cubital tunnel is a posture related issue which is reversable.
I'm no doctor but 5 or 6 doctors were wrong and i almost had that operation. 7 years later all my symptoms except the muscle atrophy are gone. I would strongly suggest no gaming until you do some more research. maybe you can fix your problem and start gaming again in the future. but maybe gaming will just create a miserable physical ailment that stays with you your whole life |
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How bad is yours? I recently had surgery because mine was moderate creeping toward severe. My left thumb would get tingly and numb very quickly playing games and my right hand would get numb frequently using the mouse.
You can get cortisone shots directly in the wrist for mild cases. But if you keep playing games you will eventually have to have surgery. Unless you just stop. It can get better if you stop. I didn't nor did I want to stop so I just took the easy out. The simple carpal tunnel release surgery. Now I can keep playing my games with no tingling what so ever.
75" Sony FALD - PS4 Pro/4K UHD : : : 65" LG OLED - Xbox 360/WiiU : : : : 40" Sony - PS2/SNES/various retro systems via RGB and s-video
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dreamgear comfort grip should work, but over time it stretches, the MHXX Grip is also a win, best grip you can buy besides the cybergadget grip 2
also if you have old 3ds the cpp should work
PSN: Nirlandogo (JP) GeneralRevil369 (SG) 3DS: 3067- 9028 - 2506 FC: SW-8480-5066-8326
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Teremei posted...
How bad is yours? Better than two weeks ago. That was the peak of the symptoms with medium-mild finger numbness getting out of bed in the morning until a few hours into the evening after work and way from the computer. I quit gaming those days. I mention changes I've made since in previous posts. To update that, I've been wearing a CTS wrist strap all day the last two days and I get occasional on/off very mild finger numbness (I really only notice if I make the effort to do so) when using a computer. I get no issues gaming with a controller, but maybe it takes a longer gaming session before I feel something. I haven't had a full afternoon of gaming and such in awhile so I don't really know. |
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onoturtle posted...
Teremei posted...How bad is yours? I see. I got the test where they zap you all up and down your arm. And stick thick needles in you and ask you to move your thumbs, arms, etc. . Not fun. But it confirmed I had moderate CTS. I finally decided to get the surgery because I know I am not gonna stop gaming. If it ever comes to that I can say from my experience it is a quick recovery and it worked for me. No more tingling, numbness, nothing. Worth it for me personally.
75" Sony FALD - PS4 Pro/4K UHD : : : 65" LG OLED - Xbox 360/WiiU : : : : 40" Sony - PS2/SNES/various retro systems via RGB and s-video
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Get Tiger Balm and apply it on your wrist, regularly
I also suggest you not to play video game that require a lot of actions and button mash. I easily got rsi when played batman Arkham series. I only could play action games 2 hours at maximum. Mario games are actually quite tiring too. But super Mario galaxy series are probably the most dangerous games for people with carpal tunnel syndrome. Shooter games are not that tiring, stealth games even better. J Rpg is probably the most appropriate for your condition because it requires less actions. Also, I am not sure about you guys, but I think m+kB is much more tiring for my wrist than a gamepad!
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(edited 1 week ago)
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Umm... if OP has carpal tunnel syndrome, separate the joycons and lay your hands however which way is the most comfortable.
I mean, why make it difficult for yourself when you can just lay your arms to the side and play like that?
Boomerang and RecoilDown+3 Evangelist
N3DS XL FC: 2938-9344-1117 |
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get something to exercise your wrists so they get stronger (like those handgrip things).
Kill From The Shadows.
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Krazy_Kirby posted...
get something to exercise your wrists so they get stronger (like those handgrip things). Terrible advice. It's not a strength issue. It's inflammation of the carpal tunnel from carpals rubbing on the inside of the tunnel. Generally caused by not maintaining a neutral posture of the wrist while using fingers that cause the carpals to rub against the tunnel instead of freely in and out.
Never Do Yesterday What Should Be Done Tomorrow.
If at Last You Do Succeed, Never Try Again. |
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EverLastingFate posted...
Krazy_Kirby posted...get something to exercise your wrists so they get stronger (like those handgrip things). Stretch, yes. Grip strengthening, no no no.
Never Do Yesterday What Should Be Done Tomorrow.
If at Last You Do Succeed, Never Try Again. |
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EverLastingFate posted...
The best I've ever used, if you can find them. Try eBay. YES!!!! The DreamGear grips are top notch! I used to cramp a lot playing shoulder button heavy games, like Mario Kart 7. This grip helped tremendously. I have the N3ds version of the grip, but it essentially does the same thing. No more cramps for my hands. Just make sure if you buy it, you buy the right one for your model. Good luck with your CTS. It got my mother pretty bad and she had surgery on both hands.She used her hands a lot, working in a bakery for many years.
Xbox Live Gamertag: TheSystemFailed
3DS Friend Code 1092-2676-3451 USA East Coast |
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For the Dreamgear users @TheSystemFailed and @EverLastingFate, how are the L/R buttons? At least in the old 3DS version, they have rubber over the buttons that sounds like makes them more difficult to push according to some Amazon reviews. Did you two have this issue?
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They do cover the buttons, but I did not find them any more difficult than usual. I actually liked having the added protection for the buttons. Maybe having to reshape the rubber to fit over two buttons on each side made a difference between the regular 3dsxl and the new 3dsxl. Not sure. I have no issues though.
Xbox Live Gamertag: TheSystemFailed
3DS Friend Code 1092-2676-3451 USA East Coast |
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TheSystemFailed posted...
They do cover the buttons, but I did not find them any more difficult than usual. I actually liked having the added protection for the buttons. Maybe having to reshape the rubber to fit over two buttons on each side made a difference between the regular 3dsxl and the new 3dsxl. Not sure. I have no issues though. Same
Never Do Yesterday What Should Be Done Tomorrow.
If at Last You Do Succeed, Never Try Again. |
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Cool. Thanks for the quick responses! I did hesitate dropping $30 on ebay for the dreamgear because of that. I ended up getting some cheapo plastic thing from China that's like $5 (not much choices for old 3DS unfortunately) that doesn't cover the buttons. If that doesn't work out I guess I'll pay the $$ for dreamgear.
Seems my CTS symptoms are much better with my various changes. I work with m+kb all day at work and I don't notice my fingers get numb like before. There is still a very, very mild numbness but I don't notice it using m+kb. I only notice it if I pick up my phone and start tapping the glass. So I'm almost there... perhaps once I get into the habit of doing the wrist stretches more often that will make up the difference. |
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