First time using a stick - wrist/forearm pain

[Aiko]

So, I've been really enjoying getting into and learning Tekken to the point of ordering a Qanba Obsidian fightstick. I opened it up today, played for about four hours straight..

It was fine until about 30 minutes after playing. I have double carpal tunnel, but its never really been an issue with anything else.

I was using it on my lap with the "wine glass" grip. I'm sitting on a couch, could that be the issue?

I really love this game, and I love it even more with the stick. I didn't stretch beforehand, either. Is that a normal thing that people do with these kind of games?

Sorry for the noob questions, but I don't want to believe that I can't use a fightstick.

Thanks.

[Alcratz]

What were you using before hand? When you struggle with something like capital tunnel, you should definitely consider how well you'll be able to handle certain peripherals

Stick in particular can be taxing on your entire arm. If you have carpal tunnel, unless there's a better technique you can use (I wouldn't know), it might not be something you can just get used to. Maybe a hitbox would be more suitable, since they're made for you to relax both hands in an ergonomic position

I know there are plenty of ways to hold a stick, and there are also different types of handle(?) that you can try out to see if anything feels better. I don't think wine glass is a popular way to hold your stick, though

[Musashi]

Like Covenant Alcratz said, it could be that you might have a hard time using stick. But, sitting on a couch could be also a major issue in your case. If you do "sink" in while you are sitting on your couch, your elbows are probably not bent at a 90ish degree angle and your writs are also probably not straight, which is also not good for the blood flow. From writing alone i also can't tell if you are using your wrist a bit too much, while your whole arm doesn't support your inputs enough or if you are hitting the buttons too hard.
Fixing the posture of you and your arms should be the first thing you try. Your goal is to make playing on a stick feel comfortable. Takes breakes and give it some time. If it doesn't work out, there are alternatives, so don't worry. :)

I never tought about if before, but we see the tekken pros Knee and Chanel using wristbands. Sure, they don't seem to be the medical type, but maybe the warmth helps a bit.

[hahayeahmanwow]

Had a similar issue when I first began learning stick. It's probably just soreness from that hand using muscles it's not used to using often. If a week or so goes by and you still feel pain, get it checked out. Otherwise, you should be fine.

[Aiko]

Thank you all so much. I've been stressing about it more than I should.. but the pain subsided after giving it a rest for the rest of the day. I think thats a good sign, and I was absolutely slouching. I really didn't put enough thought into how taxing that could be. I got caught up with excitement, I guess.

Really appreciate the advice! I'll take it slow and work on a more permanent type of setup, and maybe experiment with other ways of using the stick. I just really love this game. It keeps me motivated!

[Gautam]

there is no way to avoid pain if u wanna build muscle memory for movement, but it will really reward u in longrun

[†øøts]

here's an idea: take a break. four hours straight tekken is exhausting no matter what you're playing on, mentally if not physically.

[ᛉᛏneon@stralᚨᛉ]

Stretch and warm up your hands before you play thurely, also invest in wrist wrap it negates all discomfort and minimizes the wear on your joints and ligaments.
What I use -
https://www.amazon.com/Comfortable-Adjustable-Arthritis-Tendinitis-Compression/dp/B07PKBCD72/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?keywords=wrist+wraps&qid=1572118476&sr=8-15

Worth every penny

[Aiko]

Originally posted by neon@stral☼꧁꧂:

Stretch and warm up your hands before you play thurely, also invest in wrist wrap it negates all discomfort and minimizes the wear on your joints and ligaments.
What I use -
https://www.amazon.com/Comfortable-Adjustable-Arthritis-Tendinitis-Compression/dp/B07PKBCD72/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?keywords=wrist+wraps&qid=1572118476&sr=8-15

Worth every penny

You're a life saver. Thank you.

[TinfoilDurag]

Along with the wrist wrap, reconsider your technique. Are you being aggressive with the stick?

[Aiko]

Originally posted by Yung Frametraps:

Along with the wrist wrap, reconsider your technique. Are you being aggressive with the stick?

I may have been without realizing it. I was very excited when I jumped in.