Typing away all day can have a few health risks. Whether you work in an office or have to write lengthy research papers to obtain a college education, there are a few things that you should know before you type.
There are two major conditions involved with excessive typing: Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Repetitive strain injury, which is known as overuse syndrome, is a condition where a part of the body is injured through repeated overuse. Hands, wrists, and fingers are commonly affected. Symptoms include tenderness, pain, and tingling in specific muscles or joints.
Carpal tunnel is a condition that occurs when the median nerve is pinched in the wrist. When a person has carpal tunnel, their median nerve does not function properly. The median nerve sends messages from the spinal cord to the wrist and hand. Common symptoms of carpal tunnel include tingling, pain, numbness, and weakness.
If typing is an essential part of your daily routine, here are a few tips that will help to prevent these conditions:
- Practice good posture. Slumping or slouching will compress the nerves, which is the last thing you want to do if you are trying to prevent any health-related typing risks.
- Take a few breaks. When it comes to frequent typing, giving your wrists, hands, and fingers time to relax makes a huge difference. Every ten or fifteen minutes, it helps to stretch out your hands and give them a bit of exercise.
- Invest in a Microsoft ergonomic keyboard. One of the easiest ways you can reduce wrist pain or your chances of obtaining RSI or CTS is by investing in a Microsoft ergonomic keyboard. With a keyboard of this kind, you will find increased comfort and safety.
When it comes to your physical health, keeping your wrists, hands, and fingers from experiencing pain is important. RSI and CTS are both painful conditions that potentially require surgery. To keep yourself safe, follow these three tips; you might just find yourself closer to safety.
