Knee pain from AR games linked to overuse, not just aging joints

Playing popular health-focused mobile games like Pikmin, which require players to walk extensively, can lead to knee pain. Doctors are warning that this discomfort might not be due to joint degeneration but rather from the overuse of tendons or ligaments.

Dr. Chen Yi-hsueh from the Rehabilitation Department at Chiayi Christian Hospital explained that the body functions like a machine requiring a warm-up period. A sudden increase in physical activity, such as going from a usual 3,000 steps a day to over 10,000 steps for a game, can place excessive strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments. If these tissues don't have adequate time to adapt, prolonged and repetitive use can lead to inflammation and pain.

Dr. Chen cautioned against immediately attributing knee pain to joint degeneration, especially when the pain is linked to a recent surge in activity. He noted that X-rays may not always reveal the source of pain if it originates from soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, or bursae. A clinical assessment, possibly combined with musculoskeletal ultrasound, can help pinpoint the exact cause of the pain, enabling more precise treatment.

For most patients experiencing inflammation or overuse injuries due to increased activity, rest, adjusted exercise levels, and physical therapy can lead to improvement. However, if pain persists or inflammation is significant, treatments like ultrasound-guided injections or platelet-rich plasma therapy might be considered. Dr. Chen advises individuals who enjoy walking, jogging, or using games to increase their activity levels to seek professional medical evaluation if knee pain lasts for more than a week, or if accompanied by swelling, heat, or difficulty walking.