**Note: I am not a doctor, only a nerd
It is not mystery why nerds get hand and wrist pain, we use the mouse and keyboard way too much. Since none of us are going to use the computer less, what can we do to relieve it?
Posture
Posture is the key. Sit up fairly straight (you don’t have to be as stiff as a board), and change how your arms and hands are positioned.
If you have a laptop you really don’t have to worry about damaging yourself as much as you would with a regular keyboard, as long as the bottom of your palm is at equal height with your keyboard. If you use a regular keyboard I would highly recommend spending $10 on a wrist pad, they are an absolute godsend. If you don’t have the money just type with your wrists off your table top. Never type with your wrist on the desk, that is how most of the damage occurs.
Typing Speed
If you can type 100 wpm good for you, but there are very few (if any) jobs that you should ever type that fast for. All that finger movement will eventually cause a nice throbbing pain. Just slow down a bit, as I said before, there is very rarely a need to type that fast.
FYI: The average typist only goes around 30 to 60 words per minute.
Taking breaks
One thing I’ve found really helpful is to take a break every 20 minutes or so. I don’t mean get up and go fetch a snack, just turn on the radio for a minute and sit back and relax. Usually once an hour I will get up and walk around a bit, and occasionally go up and down some stairs. It helps pop your back into place and keeps your wrists from getting overly-tired.
Chair Height
As odd as it may seem, you may be sitting too high or low. Take a few minutes and try adjusting your office chair’s height (if it is adjustable) and try to find that nice sweet spot. Personally, I like having the top of my head slightly above the top of my display. That way my eyes are pretty even with the display.
Wrist Pads
As I said above, keyboard wrist pads are great. Mouse pads with wrist pads are also great. Although the keyboard can easily cause “writers’ cramp”, I think using a mouse incorrectly (again, with your wrist touching your desk) causes much more pain.
At some places like OfficeMax or WalMart you might occasionally see a pack with a keyboard and mouse pad in it for a few bucks, trust me - it is the best few bucks you will ever spend.
Why Not Buy A Splint?
If your wrist is really hurting, just go out a pick up a splint. It is generally used if you damaged your hand or wrist, but they are great for keeping everything straight while typing.
Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Whenever I start getting a little bit dehydrated my wrists hurt more. I am not sure if there is some connection between the two, but whenever I drink plenty of water (not soda or anything else), my wrists hurt less.
Did I Leave Out Anything?
If you know of any more techniques feel free to leave a comment!
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