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Feb. 26, 2026

Esports, also known as electronic sports, are organized video game competitions played at professional and amateur levels worldwide. Players use video game consoles, computers or smartphones, with competitive players often training 5.5 to 10 hours a day in front of a screen. Despite the perception that esports are less physically taxing than traditional sports, they still pose unique clinical challenges.

"People think that because you're at a computer and not on a football field getting hit that you can't have injuries and you don't have needs to perform, but esports are extremely demanding," says Jane Konidis, M.D., a physiatrist and director of Gaming and Esports Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "They require sustained fine motor movement, upper extremity speed, hand-eye coordination and keen cognitive function, as some games are all strategy."

Given these physical and cognitive demands, physicians need to understand the common injuries and illnesses affecting esports athletes and how these athletes can benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to care. At Mayo Clinic, the Gaming and Esports Medicine team includes Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians along with physical and occupational therapists. Team members may also consult hand surgeons, psychologists, and nutrition and lifestyle counselors to provide care tailored to the needs of esports players.

"As society moves to more digital platforms, these conditions will become more prevalent not just in esports players but also in people who are on the computer often and for long periods of time," says Dr. Konidis.

Common esports injuries and illnesses

Esports athletes range from amateur players to professionals. Dr. Konidis and her team treat competitors across all age groups, though most are adults in their 20s to 40s. Interestingly, novice players average 50 action moves a minute, while advanced players can make up to 500 to 600. The clinical presentations described here are based on both published research and clinical experience.

Eyestrain

Eyestrain is the most frequently reported condition among esports players, with research in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine indicating that it affects up to 56% of competitive gamers. Extended screen exposure without adequate breaks is the primary risk factor for symptoms, including eye fatigue and irritation, blurred vision, headache, and eye pain.

Musculoskeletal injuries

Many esports players experience upper extremity pain resulting from repetitive fine motor movements, such as typing, clicking a mouse and manipulating a controller. Over time, the pain can progress to an overuse injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or common extensor tendinopathy, also known as "gamer's elbow" or, more commonly, "tennis elbow".

Neck and back pain also are prevalent due to prolonged static postures. Comparative data on whether esports athletes experience higher rates than those of other sedentary populations does exist, but it's unclear whether it is higher than that of the general population.

Metabolic and cardiovascular risks

Like sedentary office workers, esports athletes face metabolic and cardiovascular risks from prolonged sitting, including potential impacts on heart health and body weight.

According to research reviewed in the Ochsner Journal, the term "gamer's thrombosis" has emerged to describe documented cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in gamers, which is exceedingly rare. "The cases reported are usually people with video game addictions who were sitting in front of a computer for four or five days in a row — or with a preexisting medical condition putting them at high risk for VTE," says Dr. Konidis.

Sleep and mental health concerns

Chronic exposure to blue light from electronic devices disrupts circadian rhythms, affecting sleep quality. The impact is often greater in esports athletes who may participate in international events across time zones.

Some players also report depression and anxiety symptoms, though not necessarily at rates higher than those of the general population.

Evidence-based prevention and management strategies

While the demands of esports are different, gamers should receive the same comprehensive health screening that traditional athletes do. "The basics of what we do for other athletes should be applied to esports athletes, but with a tailored exam that's more focused on their needs for eye, upper extremity and fine motor movements," says Dr. Konidis.

Physicians can help esports athletes prevent common injuries by implementing evidence-based, sport-specific strategies:

• Musculoskeletal. Promote pregaming warmups targeting the upper extremities to reduce hand and wrist pain, as well as regular movement breaks during play to prevent neck and back discomfort.
• Vision. Recommend the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Cardiovascular. Advise these athletes to adhere to physical activity guidelines and assess them for risk factors resulting from sedentary behavior.
• Mental health. Screen for anxiety, depression and sleep deficits using validated tools. Encourage players to practice meditation and mindfulness. Proper sleep is also important for mental health, optimal performance and recovery.

Because esports athletes represent a rapidly growing patient population, it is crucial to develop prevention and management protocols tailored to players' needs. Protocols should address the overuse, postural, visual and behavioral health risks inherent in esports. Optimal gaming setups, proper posture and targeted interventions can minimize injuries and support long-term player health.

For more information

DiFrancisco-Donoghue J, et al. Managing the health of the eSport athlete: An integrated health management model. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2019;5:e000467.

Rambaran KA, et al. Gamer's thrombosis: A review of published reports. Ochsner Journal. 2020;20:182.

Refer a patient to Mayo Clinic.