I have arthritis in my wrist and knees. My mom has arthritis in her hands and knees. I know another person with arthritis in their hands that is so bad that they have to get shots in their hands every couple of months.
All this got me thinking about the pain that would occur just by using controllers to play games. Which controllers would be better for arthritic hands? I tried to conduct research but there isn't any information on the internet regarding this topic. All I found was a few forums with some posts asking similar questions.
With the information that I gathered from the internet and experience with arthritis in my family, I made a list of the top 5 video game controllers for arthritic hands. Let's explore my findings.
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Nintendo Switch
Many of the users on resetera.com claim the Nintendo switch pro controller is the one to use. The buttons ate placed in a friendlier position than other controllers and it is not as heavy as the Joy-Cons in handheld mode. Many of the users disliked the Joy-Cons. The handheld mode is where you connect the switch to the Joy-Cons. I can imagine the pain that the weight would induce. Also, the placement of the joysticks is not in a favorable position for people with arthritis in the hands. If you are interested in learning more about these controllers read the switch pro controller review and/or the Joy-Cons review.
Xbox One
Xbox one has two controllers that make this list. The first one is the Xbox One Elite controller. This is a controller that is customizable by placing/removing back triggers. Since this controller has remappable buttons, you can make the most used buttons be triggered by the back triggers if that is easier to press than the original buttons. Read the Xbox One Elite review for more information.
The second one is the Xbox one Adaptive controller. The controller was designed for people with disabilities. This controller is customizable and you make it your own. Each button has a 3.5mm jack that you can plug inputs into. So if you want the most used button on the game to be a foot pedal, go for it. That would greatly reduce the times you had to use pressure with your fingers to trigger a desired action. With the arthritis in my knees, the idea of a foot pedal causes me pain!
PS4
NACON Revolution Pro V2 is the one that might suit your needs if you don't mind it being wired. You can adjust the weight of the controller if it is too heavy for your hands. You can adjust the vibration of the controller. It is customizable with either a 4-way or an 8-way D-Pad. The back buttons are also mappable. To read more about the click on the Nacon Revolution Pro V2 review.
PC
For PC, the winner was the steam controller. Just like the Xbox one elite, the buttons are remappable and you can use compatible inputs like foot pedals with this controller. If pressing the A button is too painful, map it to a foot pedal or a back trigger! It also has 4 analog inputs, 2 touchpads, 1 left joystick, and a gyroscope. According to my mom, touchpads are easier for her than the joysticks.
Many users on resetera.com claim that many mouse and keyboards are just too painful to use. However, if you insist on using them, they recommend a curved keyboard.
Does Long Hours of Gaming cause Arthritis?
It is more like to develop RSI or repetitive stress injury. RSI include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Trigger Finger, and other injuries. There has been no conclusive evidence that gaming causes arthritis.
LESSEN THE PAIN and Gain More Gaming Days
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There are ways to lessen the pain. Some may be obvious to most but I'll list them just in case someone is reading this for a loved one or a friend and may not know.
Make sure the height of the chair is high enough so you can rest your wrists on the table at an even level, so you are not trying to reach up for the keyboard. Having something for your wrists and hands to rest on with help with the pain.
Do arthritis exercises for your hands to warm them up. According to mayoclinic.org, exercise is beneficial to arthritis. It burns calories to help you lose and maintain a good weight. It gives you energy throughout the day. It helps you sleep better. It also can strengthen the muscles around your joints and increase and maintain bone strength.
There are 3 types of exercises for arthritis which are: range of motion exercises, strength exercises, and aerobic exercises. If you want to relieve stiff joints and increase your ability to move your joints as intended, do range of motion exercises. If you want support for your joints you need to build up strong muscles with strength exercises. For overall well being, stamina and energy engage in aerobic or endurance exercises. As mentioned earlier, be sure to discuss exercise with your doctor before beginning.
Use heating pads or ice when necessary. Arthritic joints can be stiff and tired which heat will make the joints feel better. Cold packs and ice are for pain and inflammation.
Wear arthritis gloves. There are a couple of different kinds like thermal, support and compression. You need to find one that suits your needs and fits your hands too. They have to be worn for 8 hours to get the benefit from the gloves. Use them during the day or while you sleep depending on your needs.
Take breaks. You know how the Nintendo 3DS games remind you to take breaks? Well, listen to them. Your hands need to rest. Overuse will lead to damage. Rest helps with inflammation and fatigue. Breaks are key.
Change up the controllers. Since controllers are different weights and can be held differently, it will change how you are using your hands.
Stay hydrated. According to arthritis.org, water also helps you remove toxins in your body. However, you can drink other drinks, listed in the next paragraph, then just water to help with arthritis but be sure to drinking mostly water.
Tea, Especially green and white, provide polyphenols which contain anti-inflammatory properties. Coffee has polyphenols too. This means that these drinks can help with radicals that are known to cause cell damage. However, limit your caffeine and drink them without cream and sugar if you can to lower calories. Smoothies and Juices that are high in vitamin C have antioxidants that also fight radicals.
I hope this post has helped you with finding a controller that fits your needs. If this post has been helpful, please share it and subscribe to our mailbox for future posts. Please email me if you any suggestions or questions or leave a comment below.
Sources:
(2018. September 26). Best gamepad for arthritic hands. Retrieved from https://www.resetera/com/threads/best-gamepad-for-artritic-hands.
(2018. December 19). Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971.
(2019). Best Beverages for Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/best-foods-for-arthritis/best-beverages-for-arthritis.php.