Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS

A Writer’s Guide to Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Whether you write in long hand, or do most of your writing at the computer, carpal tunnel syndrome is a risk for anyone who spends a lot of their time writing.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can result when you perform the same action repeatedly. And, if you write a lot, whether professionally or as a hobby, the repetitive actions you perform most are either typing on a keyboard, or writing long hand in a journal. Using a computer mouse for an extended period of time (while doing research, setting up a website, creating computer graphics, etc.) can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be debilitating, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in your wrist, hand, and fingers. Some people with carpal tunnel syndrome find it difficult to use their hands at all.

If you are a writer, here are some things that can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Stretch Your Hands to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

One way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome is to stretch your hands before you sit down to write. Simply move your hands from side-to-side, around and around. Wiggle your fingers. Ball your hands into light fists, and then spread your fingers wide. Continue these exercises for ten to fifteen minutes.

Type Light To Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The harder your fingertips bang against the computer keys, the greater the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. So, make a conscious effort to type lighter and not hit the computer keys so hard.

Use Quality Pens to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Those skinny plastic pens you can get ten for a dollar might seem like a good deal, but they can also help lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Instead, splurge on pens with thicker “bodies,” rubber grips, and easy flowing ink. They may be a little more expensive but, to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s worth spending a little more.

Another way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome is by writing softer. If you write so hard you can see the impressions of the words on the next two or three pages, that could be the cause of your wrist pain. Make a conscious effort to write with a softer touch.

Also, don’t hold your pen too tight. Keep your grip loose and relaxed.

Take Breaks to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you’ve been writing or typing for an extended period of time, try to take a five or ten minute break every thirty minutes to an hour. Go get a snack. Walk outside to check the mail. Or just sit back and relax. And, while you’re relaxing, you could do some wrist and finger stretches.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the bane of many a writer’s existence. But, by taking a few preventative steps, you can avoid this painful, debilitating condition.