6 Useful Typing Techniques to Avoid Hand Fatigue and Injury

Working behind a desk is common nowadays. People spend more and more time typing and clicking on the computer. Using the mouse and the keyboard doesn’t seem strenuous, but if you use them wrong over time and they can cause serious problems. When your hands are in the wrong position for a long time, you’ll start feeling pain and possibly develop conditions such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. However, there are ways you can prevent this from happening and relieve the pain you have at the moment.

Get an Ergonomic Keyboard

If you work a full-time job where you must spend eight or more hours in front of a computer, you absolutely need an ergonomic workspace. One of the best ways to achieve this is to buy a high-quality and adjustable ergo keyboard as it’s a device made to relieve muscle and joint pain and improve your posture. By doing this, you’ll become more comfortable and much more efficient.

These keyboards come in three varieties. First up, we have the split keyboard. It’s made to keep your arms and wrists in a straight position and your elbows as close as possible to your body. This gives you a neutral sitting position. This also reduces the force you have to use to press the keys.

Since the two pieces of the keyboard are independent, you can alter them to fit the width of your shoulders. This is a keyboard that has all the keys, including the numeric pad as well. Depending on the manufacturer, the pad can have several positions. Sometimes it overlaps with the letters, and it’s activated with a button, and sometimes it’s positioned at the top row.

Always be aware of the strain and tension you experience when being in a certain sitting position. If you feel too much, adjust the split keyboard to a strain-free position. Next, we have the arc keyboard. This is a wireless option that’s very compact and you can take it anywhere with you. It’s made to adjust and decrease the unnatural position of the wrists while sitting and typing.

A lot of people use it with their laptops in order to avoid using the small laptop keyboard. The third type is the contoured keyboard. This one has a padded wrist rest for more comfort. Also, it’s slightly raised in the middle so it can suit your wrists and give them a more natural position.

Always look for as much adjustability as you can when browsing for a keyboard. A model that will give you many positioning options and help you reach the perfect working position. If the store allows it, give the keyboard a try, and see if it fits you well. These keyboards are pricier than the others but they’re an investment worth making.

Complement it With an Ergonomic Mouse

Working on your computer means you’ll have to use the mouse a lot. The standard ones aren’t exactly ergonomic and good for your wrists. There are specially designed ergonomic mice that will improve your posture and prevent wrist strain and pain. Combining them with an ergo keyboard will be the best decision you can make.

You have the option to buy a wired and wireless mouse. The wireless one gives you plenty of mobility, you can use it anytime, anywhere. It’s also known as a vertical mouse because of its design. When using it, it keeps your hand in a handshake position, which is quite natural for your body.

You might need some time to get used to it, but once you do, you’ll see how beneficial it is. There are adjustable options that let you rotate and adjust the mouse’s position. This gives you a bigger chance of finding the perfect working angle.

Take Regular Breaks

When you have to spend more than six hours in one position, you should always take a few breaks. They’re especially important if you’re sitting in front of the computer. Continuous use of the mouse and keyboard can put a lot of pressure on your hands, wrists, shoulders and back.

Taking regular pauses and breaks can also benefit your eyes. You don’t have to take breaks that are an hour long. You can just get up, walk around, make yourself a cup of coffee or tea, take your dog for a short walk, or call a friend. All you need is 10-15 minutes, or even less to get a breather. Doing this after one hour of work will greatly improve your concentration and efficiency.

Do Stretching and Hand Movements

When your hands and wrists are in one position for a long time, you will experience discomfort, pain and a lot of strain on your muscles and joints. To relieve this pain and release the tension, you should do some stretching or hand movements.

This doesn’t have to be anything extreme. Simple movements are the best. You can do this while still sitting in the office chair. There are some exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home during your regular breaks.

Wear a Wrist Brace

By wearing a wrist brace you prevent computer activities such as typing to strain your wrists and arms. This will reduce the discomfort and keep your hands and palms in a nice alignment. Most importantly, you’ll prevent the appearance of tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

These kinds of braces give you the freedom to move your hand and fingers without interfering with your work or activity. They work well with other accessories like an ergonomic mouse, ergonomic keyboard or even a wrist cushion.

Buy a Wrist Rest

This device is something that can also contribute to the level of comfort while working. A wrist rest will give you more support and prevent strain and pressure on your wrists. There are plenty of choices on the market. Some of them are made to fit specific keyboards and some are universal.

Most of them have a non-skid backing which keeps it in place and doesn’t let it slide all over the desk. Look for a rest with antimicrobial properties. This will keep it clean and more hygienic. No matter which method you choose, make sure you get the best of it and you don’t feel fatigue, stress or strain.