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Wrist and Hand Ergonomic- Fix it already!

You're typing away and suddenly you feel a tingling sensation weaving through your fingers and all the way to your wrists. It goes away for a while but then the sensation returns for an unwanted visit, this time bringing pain as a guest.

It could be that your hands and wrists have fallen victim to Carpal Tunnel, a Cumulative Trauma Disorder caused by performing repetitive tasks. Inside the wrist is a small channel known as the Carpal Tunnel formed by bones, ligaments, tendons blood vessels and a major nerve. Repetitive motions can put pressure and constrict this delicate channel causing painful tingling and numbing sensations throughout your hands, wrists and even arms. A few key adjustments to your workstation can help you avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other discomforts associated with the keyboard/mouse setup.

  • The Carpal Tunnel

Inside the wrist is a small channel known as the Carpal Tunnel formed by bones, ligaments, tendons blood vessels and a major nerve. Repetitive motions can put pressure and constrict this delicate channel causing painful tingling and numbing sensations throughout your hands, wrists and even arms. A few key adjustments to your workstation can help you avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other discomforts associated with the keyboard/mouse setup.

  • Adjustable Keyboard Height

Use an height adjustable keyboard tray to ensure the keyboard and mouse are positioned at the correct height (approximately between 25" to 27" high for most people) and orientation (not sloping frontward). While seated, place hands on keyboard with level forearm and measure from floor to your elbow bone. That measurement is your ideal keyboard height.

  • Keyboard
Feeling pressure on your wrists? It could be that your keyboard is angled incorrectly putting strain on your arms and wrists. When using your keyboard and mouse, keep wrists, hands and elbows parallel to the floor. To obtain this neutral position, lower the feet on your keyboard to place the keyboard as flat as possible and avoid flexing your wrists. Adjust chair height and use a footrest if needed to keep feet flat and supported. Place the keyboard directly in front of you. Use a wrist rest for added comfort and to help avoid the sharp edges of your desk. If you are dealing with pronation (hands angled out and palms down) using a split keyboard that has an angled height may give you some relief.
  • Mouse
Keep your mouse immediately to the right or left of your keyboard and at the same level. Relax your fingers, hands and shoulders. Program your mouse to a faster speed so minimum movement is required to relieve hand and wrist tension. This is done with an existing software driver usually located in the control panels. Consider using an upright mouse to address pronation. For additional relief use a mouse that will allow right and left hand mousing.