WASD pains anyone?

[FishBowlSoul]

I have been occasionally gettin pains to my left shouder muscle (deltoid). Then I can barely lift my arm - the symptoms can go on for weeks. Now I've realized that the pain comes usually after playing a very exciting FPS for hours on end. Maybe I tense the muscles on my arm uncontollably when playing adrenaline inducing games with the keyboard. I've never had proplems with my mouse-arm (right).

That's why I ordered the Steam Controller yesterday, hoping it would allow me to play games without medical problems. Still waiting it to arrive of course, but 'll keep you posted.

Anybody feel any correlation?

[Hunubul]

I just bought it, because I gave my contrllers to my nephew, and needed a new one.

Also be prepared to make time for getting used to it. Also for some games you may need to take time to configure the controls.

I wish you luck!

[Cerebrum123]

Well, if a typical controller doesn't cause you problems, then the SC shouldn't. Some people who have nerve damage don't like the haptics because it hurts, but you can turn those off.

[FishBowlSoul]

I haven't played with a controller much. When I have, I tend to get confused with the buttons.
So I know I have a lot of getting used to and configuring. But I'm eagerly waiting for that controller to arrive. Learning new things is always good.

[cammelspit]

Well, personally, I have nerve damage in both of my wrists and arms due to an old injury I sustained when I was 7. I have numbness, tingling and pain in both hands and wrists from time to time depending on what I am doing. With most controllers I feel the numbness after a few hours, especially in my right hand in my pinky, ring, and middle fingers. The SC has all but eliminated these symptoms because of the way it is designed physically. Another big thing with the SC is that it is not only recommended but expressly required to use a light touch on the pads. This has the effect of nearly eliminating these symptoms and the fatigue associated with them in long gaming sessions. So far I have only played with my SC a max of 8 hours in a row so far in one sitting but I could have never done that before, especially with a KB/M which require a very unnatural position, even when adjusted properly.

See, everyone is different and it may or may not have an effect either good or bad on your personal symptoms so there is no way to tell. Keeping in mind the lighter touch and ability to use either a very wide or narrow grip based on preference you should easily be able to find something that works. Just being more relaxed in and of itself might be all you need, the SC can help some with that.

Since you are new to the SC I feel it is appropriate for you. I know it is yet another shameless plug and it is far from finished but I have made a rather extensive write up that covers some of the most common issues with regards to accuracy. It also covers some grips and such and those tips may also be helpful to reduce or eliminate strain in you arms to help reduce that pain and prevent RSI.

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=595597298

Good luck and welcome to the fold. If you have any more questions or concerns, have a problem or whatever, let us know! We like to help out if we can. Most importantly, have FUN!

[Vepar]

I have arthritis and that's painful 24/7 non-stop, and i'm much more comfortable playing games with the Steam controller than i am with the keyboard. At least on the steam controller (and most other controllers for that matter), all the buttons are ergonomically placed and near each other, and i don't have to move my fingers much at all like i would on the keyboard.

Also the position of the hand is much more natural while holding a controller, and SC fits great in my hands... I don't like PS controllers much because they're small and i've experienced some cramps and pain now and then when playing but never with the SC (no matter what or how long i play). Xbox controllers, at least the 360 i tried is better than the PS controller, but still, with the Xbox controller i don't get all the configuration options and the ability to play all my games.

So yeah... Now i use SC for literally every game and it's awesome!

Hope you'll find it comfortable when yours arrives! And if you like new things you're gonna love Steam controller! Good luck!

[geebee666]

I have a severely torn right rotator cuff and other cumulative shoulder damage.
The great news is that the SC used with trackball and gyro setting for final aiming has improved my shoulder and reduced pain by a significant amount, I was hoping for being able to game without as much pain but turns out at least with fast paced FPS to actually improve my shoulder. :)
Deltoid wise it should help as your hands are centered and not extending beyond you shoulders thus it should not put any strain on them at all.

As a plus the SC is brilliant, and can be used for surfing the net as well.

[fgsfds]

Now you will be getting pain in you right hand because of the awful ABXY buttons placement.
Don't know, maybe my thumb isn't long enough, but it's really uncomfortable to reach A and X buttons. Grip buttons help a little, but still.

[geebee666]

Originally posted by FGSFDS:

Now you will be getting pain in you right hand because of the awful ABXY buttons placement.
Don't know, maybe my thumb isn't long enough, but it's really uncomfortable to reach A and X buttons. Grip buttons help a little, but still.

No issue with them at all.
If you have a problem just set them for low use functions.

[Hunubul]

Originally posted by FishBowlSoul:

Learning new things is always good.

That's the spirit!!

Originally posted by FGSFDS:

Now you will be getting pain in you right hand because of the awful ABXY buttons placement.
Don't know, maybe my thumb isn't long enough, but it's really uncomfortable to reach A and X buttons. Grip buttons help a little, but still.

For most game I can configure the controller in a way that I don't have to use any of those buttons. Double tap on touchpad, grip buttons, softpull triggers, there are much more buttons than on a controller. You don't have to use ABXY at all if you are configuring right.

[cammelspit]

Originally posted by FGSFDS:

Now you will be getting pain in you right hand because of the awful ABXY buttons placement.
Don't know, maybe my thumb isn't long enough, but it's really uncomfortable to reach A and X buttons. Grip buttons help a little, but still.

Is your thumb longer than that of an infant? If so, your thumb is long enough. Are you a "little person" like the munchkins from the wizard of Oz? Because if you can reach either pad or analog stick then your statements about your thumbs being too short are plain silly. :D

You may not appreciate the placement or be unwilling to get over it but your thumb would have to be so unbelievable small as to be non-existant.