In the digital age, it’s not unheard of for a person to have to type pretty regularly in their life. This already rings true for general users that use computers and keyboards with their phones, but it is even more significant for individuals who regularly type for work or school.
As convenient as this may be for productivity, it also increases the risk of developing problems with one’s wrists. Soreness and pain can easily turn into chronic issues over time. Of course, you can always get carpal tunnel syndrome treatment and others if you have existing issues. If you want to prevent worsening or getting problems in the first place, follow the tips below.
Observe Proper Posture
Your posture has a lot to do with how your hands will fall on your keyboard. This, in turn, affects how you move your wrist and the strain you put. When sitting in front of a keyboard, you want to have your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, have your head aligned to your spine, and have your arms laying down freely.
Do not bend forward or even slouch back into your seat while typing. Avoid these habits more easily by ensuring your monitor is at eye level.
Use the Right Hand-Keyboard Placement
How you place your hands and type will have a big role in preventing pain, too. You build up muscle memory over time, so you want to get used to a positioning that is easy on your wrists.
When it comes to proper finger positioning, you should have your left fingers over the ‘a’, ‘s’, ‘d’, and ‘f’ keys. The right should have fingers over ‘j’, ‘k’, ‘l’, and ‘;’. Both thumbs should hover over the spacebar. This makes it more comfortable to reach keys as needed.
Make Your Hands as Comfortable as Possible
Remove rings and bracelets that are going to restrict your movement or be painful over an extended period of time. You want to give your hands the best environment possible to prolong comfort. You should also make sure you don’t type too roughly. A light touch should be enough for a good keyboard to record your strokes, so you need not strain your fingers and wrist just to type.
Position Your Keyboard at the Right Height and Distance for You
Your keyboard should be placed at just above lap level. You shouldn’t have to bend your arms too much, but you should not have your arms too tilted down that your wrists are constantly bent. Make sure your elbows are at an open angle, so you don’t have to strain your forearms.
As for distance, you should have your keyboard relatively close to the edge of the desk for access. Just give enough room so that your hands naturally fall on the keyboard without having to twist and turn.
Let Your Hands Rest Every Hour
Every hour, give your hands a break. Take a breather from the typing and let your hands relax for around five to ten minutes. You can take this time to loosen your wrists with some careful stretches and gentle massages.
Conclusion
These simple practices can make a world of difference for your wrist and hand health. At the very least, you will feel much more comfortable typing for extended periods. It’s important to get carpal tunnel and wrist tendonitis treatment as recommended so that you don’t have to live with avoidable pain and limitations.
If you need a trustworthy hand doctor, visit the North Florida Hand and Wrist Center. We provide expert care and facilities for hand and wrist problems or conditions in Jacksonville, so reach out to our clinic if you are feeling any symptoms.
