ASPS Conference Coverage

Upper Extremity Pain Common Among Esports Players

Miranda Manier, BA

Key Highlights

  • Over 50% of esports players reported hand or wrist pain.
  • Left-handed players were significantly more likely to experience pain (90.9%) than right-handed players (46.8%).
  • Common diagnoses included sprain/strain, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Rest, bracing, and ergonomic changes were the most frequently used interventions.

In a survey-based study presented at the Plastic Surgery: The Meeting, more than half of esports players reported experiencing pain in the hands or wrists, underscoring the prevalence of overuse injuries in competitive and recreational gaming. Left-handed players reported pain at nearly twice the rate of right-handed players, suggesting possible ergonomic or equipment-related vulnerabilities.

Electronic sports players are uniquely prone to upper extremity overuse injuries due to repetitive fine motor movements, rapid clicking, and long gaming sessions. Tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are among the conditions that may arise, and as the popularity of esports grows, recognition and prevention of such injuries become increasingly important. This study was conducted to identify the prevalence of pain, associated risk factors, and treatment approaches among gamers.

A survey was distributed to participants at gaming competitions, collegiate esports organizations, and online gaming communities. Respondents provided demographic data, gaming habits, injury history, and treatments used. A total of 143 responses were collected, including 84 casual gamers, 25 collegiate esports athletes, and 3 professional streamers. The average age of respondents was 26 years, and most identified as male (78.2%). The majority of players (66.4%) used a mouse and keyboard, while 33.6% used a controller. On average, respondents reported 7 hours of structured gaming and 18 hours of casual gaming each week.

Pain was reported by 51.7% of players. Rates of pain did not significantly differ by age, gender, gaming occupation, game type, or type of input device. However, handedness was strongly associated: 90.9% of left-handed players reported pain compared with 46.8% of right-handed players (P = .008). Players with pain averaged slightly more daily computer time than those without pain, though the difference was not statistically significant. Among participants who sought medical care, common diagnoses included sprain or strain (n=12), tendonitis (n=5), and carpal tunnel syndrome (n=3). Treatments most frequently employed were rest or activity modification, bracing, hand therapy or exercises, and ergonomic adjustments. A small number reported surgery (n=2).

Dunker and colleagues concluded that “over half of esports players report hand, wrist, or shoulder pain, indicating a common problem for this occupation. These findings can raise awareness amongst gamers in this occupation to recognize upper extremity injuries and seek medical intervention with hand specialists when necessary.”

Reference
Dunker A, Greives M, Hopkins D, Swiekatowski K, Wang E. GAME OVERuse: management of upper extremity pain in esports players. Poster presented at: American Society of Plastic Surgeons 94th Annual Meeting; October 9-12, 2025; New Orleans, LA. Accessed September 22, 2025. https://www.plasticsurgerythemeeting.com/