Wrist brace for computer use?

July 26, 2012 at 06:01 PM · You need to see a physician specializing in occupational medicine right away, or a physical therapist who deals with RSI type injuries. It's not just your wrists that are at risk but your back and neck too. You need advice for setting up your work area to minimize these constant stresses. And you need to make sure that you are allowed breaks from your work to do some relaxation and stretching exercises -- see your HR officer to see what is allowable. Make sure you have a high quality ergonomic mouse, buy it yourself if need be. I have one that has side buttons for forward and back on the browser, which saves me a lot of movement. The scroll wheel is evil.

July 27, 2012 at 01:28 AM · Avoid a mouse altogether and get a pen and tablet.

July 27, 2012 at 02:21 AM · Be sure your keyboard is at the right height for your build. I see many computer keyboards sitting on desks. That's too high for me. It can make the user raise the shoulders and put extra strain on the shoulder muscles in the process. This strain, in turn, can then spread downward to the arms and wrists.

I have my keyboard on an adjustable pullout tray below desk height. I've used it this way for hours each day, running my own business for the last 16 years. Never had a shoulder or arm or wrist problem from it. Since I know just about every Windows keyboard shortcut, I seldom reach for the mouse.

July 27, 2012 at 04:15 AM · Jim has got the right idea. The average desk is far too high. I have done something similar and my keyboard rests on smaller table which fits half way under the desk. If you have to use a mouse then switch hands every hour ; you soon get used to operating it wth either hand.

I already have tendonitis of the left wrist from when I used to play the guitar years ago. Once you get tendonitis you never get rid of it so avoid the problem using all measures possible !

July 27, 2012 at 04:31 AM · I'll keep all of these great tips in mind, but unfortunately, as I am a temp worker (in a smallish office), I don't have my own desk/computer to use. I just have to use the computer of anyone who isn't working that day, so I can't really adjust anything or get new equipment. Some of the people in the office have nice ergonomic keyboards and the whole setup, but others don't. I find that my right hand is often more tired as I have to use the mouse a lot (I use those handy keyboard shortcuts whenever possible). My employers do encourage me to take lots of breaks, which I should probably take better advantage of.

Are there any stretches/exercises that you'd recommend for hands/wrists/arms?

July 27, 2012 at 04:39 AM · I had a repetitive strain injury from typing long ago.

I have found these exercises very helpful for keeping various types of strain injuries at bay:

http://www.eatonhand.com/hw/ctexercise.htm

But you HAVE to get your keyboard set up to minimize bending in the wrists and strain in your shoulders. Your HR people should be very willing to address this.

Otherwise you're just asking us for advice on how to avoid injury from misusing your body and how are we going to do that? :-}

July 27, 2012 at 04:51 AM · For my work computer, I have a gel pad that runs the width of my keyboard, keeping the heel of my hand up at the level of the keys. My mousepad has a the same (they are a set)

For home, I have a pull-out drawer, and I have a bar towel folded across the width of the keyboard and mouse area; it keeps the heel of my hand up.

If your hands are arched back, it puts more strain on the connections. If you find a way to keep the heel of your hand better supported, it is more relaxing.

Some examples:

http://www.officemax.com/technology/keyboard-mouse-accessories/mouse-pads-wrist-rests

NOTE: There are also considerations for shoulders, elbows, etc. so this is not a complete answer.

NOTE 2: You may try a wireless keyboard you can keep in your lap; if you have your own, you can just connect the adaptor to the computer, then set the keyboard in your lap no matter what computer you are using.

Example:

http://www.officemax.com/technology/keyboard-mouse-accessories/keyboards/product-prod3930140?cm_mmc=Googlepla-_-Technology-_-Keyboard%20and%20Mouse%20and%20Accessories-_-Keyboards&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=23278481&gclid=COzsm7WHubECFRGEhwodEFkAJQ

July 27, 2012 at 05:46 AM · Hi, as an IT student I spend most of my time in front of computer so I may have a few tips.

1st) Get a real keyboard layout, dvorak if you english, bepo for french etc… qwerty is meant to slow the typing on the old typewriter and is a pain for the hand, whereas dvorak is studied to be ergonomic.

2nd) Get a good keyboard, either a mechanical one for the key sensitivity, or an ergonomic one (beware of these as few are really ergonomic) imho typematrix is the way to go.

3rd) Learn not to use you're mouse, keyboard to mouse shifting is one of the big problème.

If you are on linux, try awesome wm or xmonad.

On windows you're sol option come to the software you use (vimium addon on chrome, pentadactyl for firefox… vim plugin in everything you can find one for).

July 28, 2012 at 05:00 AM · @ Pirisino,

The problem with a Dvorak keyboard is that it spoils you for any other keyboard. I tried different keyboards, but as I need to work on a number of computers, on a daily basis, I find a good standard keyboard easier to use.

That said, the mechanical keyboards are the best! One of my favorites was an old IBM keyboard with 5 pin din connector (I had a converter); I loved the feel of the keys, and just a bit of extra slope on on the keyboard made it very comfortable.

Overall I agree with all your points, but changing keyboard layout (if you have to change from computer to computer) can be a real pain to master.

July 28, 2012 at 01:48 PM · I think it pays to learn the hot-key combinations for the software you're using. Remember WordStar and Word Perfect? You could do absolutely everything with the keyboard. A lot of that is still possible in MS Office but you have to read up on it and you have to make sure that the most important key strokes have not been made unusable by other software installed (notably the operating system).

As for the OP, it sounds like you're doing what you can ... but make use of those breaks and study those exercises. Those are like yoga for your hands and wrists. Work smart!

July 28, 2012 at 06:24 PM · Avoid the "death grip" on the mouse, just like you would in your bow "grip". Be keenly aware of any tension working at the computer just like you would when practicing violin.

If you're able, try using the mouse to your non-dominant hand periodically to give your dominant hand a break.

July 28, 2012 at 08:10 PM · I've been working as a secretary for many years without developing any hand or wrist problems. I agree with previous posters who said that having the keyboard at the right height is important. I have a short torso and long arms, so I to like to have the keyboard almost sitting on my lap.

I understand you are working with someone else's equipment, but perhaps you could bring a cushion to sit on if the desk is too high? Or an old phone book to stick under the base of the monitor if it's too low (this is for your neck, not your hands)

July 28, 2012 at 09:09 PM · I would suggest bringing your own mouse (find one that is comfortable to use) and take breaks when you can. I have a Logitech mouse that I bring to other studios when I work away from home. Not only is it more sanitary, I find that most cheap mice take more effort to use and can cause soreness after a day of work. I also use a mouse mat that has a padded bulge where I rest my wrist. Investing $100 or less in the right equipment can save your hands and wrists, and ultimately your playing. I would also suggest wearing the Futura wrist braces (drug store purchase) during the night to limit movement while you sleep. My wrists always feel better after a night of isolation.

July 29, 2012 at 03:49 AM · Thanks for the equipment suggestions. When I was working yesterday, I tried to use the mouse as little as possible, and used keyboard shortcuts whenever I could. I definitely noticed that my right hand felt much less tired at the end of the day, and my left hand felt fine as it moves around more anyway. Whoever said that the scroll wheel was evil is definitely right:) I'm considering getting a different mouse or maybe a mousepad with a cushion to keep my wrist elevated.