Repetitive Stress Injuries in Children and Teenagers

Too much video game play can lead to repetitive stress injuries in children and teenagers.

Stephanie Snyder, a senior physical therapist at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Azle, defines the problem as doing the same activity over and over, whether with video games, text messaging or similar activites.

"Kids are setting themselves up for risk of current or future hand, wrist, and thumb problems -- pain, different tendinitis issues, carpal tunnel and the like," Snyder says.

"It's not good for the eyes, promotes poor posture, can cause neck problems, upper back and lower back problems, shoulder issues and a variety of other things involving joints and body parts," she says.

The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that U.S. children are spending five to six hours a day playing video games, texting, watching TV and surfing Internet. The Academy recommends setting a time limit of two hours per day.

What should parents do to reduce the risk of repetitive stress injury?

If the child is spending all kinds of time with hands clenched on a video game controller, moving their thumbs -- he or she should avoid excessive thumb movement. Use a variety of stretches, pretty much anything that will get them out of the clenched position. Opening the fingers, moving the wrists in different directions, opening and closing the hands. Anything that keeps them from a clenched position.

And set time limits. Only allow a period to play video games, then balance it out with outdoor play, riding a bike, playing with friends, going for a walk.

Texas Health Resources
1-877-THR-WELL
www.TexasHealth.org

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[joardan222]

I have used my computer for 50+ hours a week, for the last 1.5 years, thats the minimum average is about 100 hours, im 15... im sure i have this in both hands going to doc tomorrow

[Korndude4561]

i play Xbox live Modern warfare 2 almost every day for about 6 months and im fine.

[diisturb33d]

i agree ive played ps3 and it caused me to get tenditis or carpal tunnel not sure which, but playing the xbo 360 does not give you these problems.

[EvatheDiva00]

we sit in uncomfortable desks at school too btw,

[DutchTuna]

Excellent - thank you.

[khanooz]

very good

[khanooz]

i think playstation should be banned........cz i also got severe pains in my both arms after playing on ps