How to Prevent Strains from Too Much Keyboard Use
By Space Coast Daily // April 25, 2022
These days, many of us are spending more and more time at our computers, whether we’re working in the office, in a home office, or using our laptops for entertainment at home. If you want to make your work environment healthier then you may have considered ergonomics along with different ways to stay productive while remaining healthy when you are at your computer.
Repetitive strain injuries are one of the most common health complaints for people who work at a computer or laptop. A repetitive strain injury is a condition that results from overusing the hands to perform repetitive tasks like typing, writing, or clicking a mouse. It causes pain from damage to muscles, nerves, and tendons, and it can sometimes be irreversible if it carries on for too long.
How to Prevent Strains
The good news is that there are several things that you can do to prevent strains and injuries from too much keyboard use. Take regular breaks, and do something that doesn’t require the same wrist action during your break – if you can, get up from your computer or do something on your phone instead like playing at a casino online for real money.
Set yourself up with an ergonomic workstation and check your posture and typing position. When typing, your arms should be comfortable by your side and your wrists should be straight.
The Right Posture for Keyboard Use
Getting your posture right when typing can make all the difference to the impact that it will have on your hands and wrists. Adjust your chair if necessary and test your position to make sure that you are comfortable.
Your feet should be flat on the floor, with your knees bent at a ninety-degree angle to avoid back strain. Keep your screen at eye level so that your head stays aligned with your spine. Keep your arms loose and avoid hunching over the computer.
When you are typing, avoid letting your wrists drop and make sure that they are not pressing against the hard edge of a desk or table, and that they are not so high you need to bend them to reach the keyboard successfully. To achieve this, place your keyboard on a flat surface at the same level as your elbows or slightly below.
How to Reduce the Effects of a Strain
If you have already suffered a repetitive strain injury, you will be glad to hear that you can mitigate and even reverse the damage with proactive steps. Start by typing less – while this might be easier said than done for some, spend some time looking at your computer habits and seek out any ways that you can reduce the amount of typing that you do.
Dictation software is an ideal choice – while it might not yet be quite as accurate as typing, it can help you get words typed up by simply speaking, helping you rest your wrists and avoid using the keyboard. Consider alternative options to typing, such as making a phone call instead of typing an email, and rest as much as you can.
If you use a computer or laptop a lot, there is a risk of a repetitive strain injury. Keep these tips in mind to reduce your risk.
