If your wrists hurt after sim racing, don’t ignore it. Pain is information — and it usually means your rig is forcing an awkward angle or you’re fighting the wheel more than you need to.
Important: This is general guidance, not medical advice. If pain persists, consult a professional.
Common causes of wrist pain on a sim rig
- Wheel too high or too low: wrists bent up or down under load.
- Wheel too far away: you lock your elbows and “hang” on the wheel.
- Wheel too close: cramped arms, awkward steering.
- Too much torque / too much FFB: you’re fighting the wheel continuously.
- Death grip: squeezing harder than necessary (often caused by bad FFB settings or tension).
Quick setup fixes that help most people
1) Set wheel distance first
Sit normally and place your hands at 9 and 3. You want a slight bend in the elbows — not straight arms.
2) Adjust wheel height and tilt
Your wrists should be close to neutral when the wheel is centered. If you feel “bent up” or “bent down,” change height and tilt.
3) Reduce continuous force
High torque isn’t the goal if it causes pain. Turn down strength, avoid clipping, and aim for detail over brute force.
4) Relax your grip
Many drivers are surprised how much faster they get when they grip less and steer more smoothly.
Small comfort upgrades
- Gloves can reduce sweat and grip tension.
- A wheel rim that fits your hands can reduce strain in long sessions.
If you’re adjusting a cockpit, do one change at a time and test. Ergonomics is personal — small changes can have big results.
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