Jitter clicking is a rapid-fire clicking technique used in computer gaming. It is performed by quickly tensing and relaxing the muscles in the forearm and hand.
This can be done using a variety of methods, such as the butterfly click, the drag click, and the jitter click.
Jitter clicking can be used to achieve click rates of up to 20 clicks per second or more. This makes it a popular technique in games where fast clicking is important, such as Minecraft and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
However, there is some concern that jitter clicking can cause arthritis. Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the cartilage in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints.
Can Jitter Clicking Cause Arthritis?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that jitter clicking can directly cause arthritis. However, jitter clicking can increase the risk of developing repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).
RSIs are caused by repetitive movements, such as those involved in jitter clicking. Over time, these movements can damage the tendons, muscles, and nerves in the hands and wrists.
If left untreated, RSIs can lead to long-term complications, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. This can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
Arthritis can develop as a result of RSIs if the damage to the tendons, muscles, and nerves is severe. This is more likely to happen in people who have a family history of arthritis or other joint problems.
How to Prevent RSIs and Arthritis from Jitter Clicking?
Here are some specific tips on how to prevent RSIs and arthritis from jitter clicking:
Take Breaks
It is important to take breaks when jitter clicking to rest your hands and wrists. Aim to take a break every 20-30 minutes, or sooner if you start to feel any pain or discomfort.
Stretch
Stretching your hands and wrists can help to reduce tension and improve circulation. There are many different stretches that you can do, but here are a few simple examples:
Wrist Circles: Make small circles with your wrists in both directions.
Finger Spreads: Spread your fingers as wide as possible, then hold for a few seconds and relax.
Wrist Extensions And Flexions: Extend your wrist so that your hand is pointing down, then hold for a few seconds and relax. Then, flex your wrist so that your hand is pointing up, and hold for a few seconds and relax.
Use A Comfortable Mouse
Make sure that your mouse is at a comfortable height and position. You may also want to use a wrist rest to support your wrists.
Maintain Good Posture
Good posture can help to reduce strain on your hands and wrists. When sitting at a computer, make sure that your back is straight and your shoulders are relaxed. Your elbows should be bent at a 90-degree angle and your wrists should be straight.
Use A Light Touch
Avoid using too much force when jitter clicking. A light touch will reduce the risk of injury.
Listen To Your Body
If you experience any pain or discomfort in your hands or wrists, stop jitter clicking and rest. If the pain or discomfort persists, see a doctor.
Be Patient
It takes time to develop good habits. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and taking breaks, and you will eventually be able to jitter click without pain or discomfort.
Additional Tips for Preventing RSIs and Arthritis
- Warm up before jitter clicking or performing other repetitive activities.
- Avoid using too much force when jitter clicking.
- Use a light touch on the mouse and keyboard.
- Take breaks every 20-30 minutes to stretch and rest your hands and wrists.
- Adjust your workstation so that your mouse and keyboard are at a comfortable height and position.
- Use a wrist rest to support your wrists when using the mouse and keyboard.
If you develop an RSI, there are a number of things you can do to treat it, including:
- Resting the affected area.
- Applying ice or heat to the affected area.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Wearing a splint or brace.
- Seeing a doctor for physical therapy or other treatments.
Additional Considerations
- Some people may be more susceptible to developing RSIs than others, due to factors such as genetics, age, and underlying medical conditions.
- If you have a family history of arthritis or other joint problems, it is important to be especially careful when jitter clicking.
- It is also important to note that jitter clicking can cause other problems, such as fatigue and eye strain.
Conclusion
Jitter clicking is unlikely to directly cause arthritis, but it can increase the risk of developing RSIs, which can lead to arthritis over time. It is important to use caution when jitter clicking, and to be aware of the potential risks involved.
If you are concerned about the risk of developing RSIs or arthritis from jitter clicking, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk.
Such as taking breaks, stretching regularly, and using a comfortable mouse and keyboard.