It’s not uncommon to experience wrist pain from long periods of typing.  In fact, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is quite common for typists, especially when they unintentionally practice poor typing habits.  Whether you’re looking to avoid wrist pain or to alleviate it, here are some tips for wrist pain.

Fast Relief from Pain

• Use a wrist splint. It might not be the most fashionable option, but if your wrist pain is debilitating, a good wrist splint can keep your hand and wrist straight and flat. This is particularly helpful at night because many people flex their wrists without realizing it.  Thus, night time is the best time to wear a wrist splint, so it being unfashionable doesn’t really matter.  Here are some tips about how and when to use a wrist splint.
• Apply cold compresses or ice. Cold packs can reduce the inflammation and pain in the wrists and hands. Remember not to apply ice directly to the skin and only use it for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.  You can also find over the counter medication for pain relief, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any risks.

Ergonomic Tips to Reduce and Prevent Pain

• Check your hand and wrist posture. To protect your hands and wrists, it’s important that your hands hover over the keyboard while typing and not sit on a wrist rest or keyboard. Next, rather than being clinched, your hands and fingers should be relaxed and slightly curved as if holding a baseball. Keep your wrists level, never flexed or bent upward, and keep your hands, wrists and arms straight, forming a line from your elbow to your middle finger.
• Upgrade to ergonomic tools. It’s hard to practice good wrist positioning with standard equipment.   An ergonomic keyboard will help you maintain good hand and wrist posture, as will an ergonomic mouse.  Mice with track ball, can help reduce the strain of holding something that’s too small for your hand. To find the best fit, try several styles to find one that comfortable and fits your hands.
• Use your wrist rest properly.  While it’s tempting to actually rest your wrists on a wrist rest, you should actually never put pressure directly on your wrist or you may agitate the carpal tunnel area. Rather, support your arms on the ball of your hands in between periods of typing.

Pay attention to any discomfort or pain in your wrists and hands! A good wrist splint can help provide protection from injury and allow time for healing. Also, try upgrading to an ergonomic keyboard to encourage good typing posture in the future. Even simple changes can go a long way to protecting you from pain and injury.

Filed under: Category Uncategorized | Tags: ergonomic keyboard,ergonomic kouse,ergonomic tips,wrist pain by emily