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Computer use for long periods of time can lead
to discomfort and even injury. Take regular breaks and do
stretching exercises for the muscles involved.
If you have pains around the elbow and into the
forearm, try these wrist movements.
Flex the hand backwards so that your fingers
point upwards. Now flick the hand so your fingers point forwards.
Try to get the hand and lower arm to make a right angle with each
other. In both cases, keep the shoulder lowered and the elbow joint
stretched out.
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Ensure your seating is adequate (look at
Choosing a Chair), and that you are properly set up at your
workstation (see At Work).
Here are a few specific problems, and some
solutions:
- Pressure on the Carpal
Tunnel
If you are resting your hands or wrists on a hard surface or an
edge. Use a gel or soft foam wrist/mouse rest. Avoid supports that
press too hard on the underside of the wrist.
- Sustained work with the wrist
‘bent’
Use a Natural keyboard.
Consider a different type of pointing device (mouse).
Consider using an arm support such as Ergorests, Relax arms (on RH
chairs), or a keyboard corner .
- Gripping the mouse too
tightly, or in an uncomfortable position.
Choose a mouse which allows the hand to keep its natural starting
position, or consider a different type of pointing device, such as
the Anir Mouse.
- Using excessive
force
Don’t use a keyboard/mouse with ‘stiff’
keys/buttons.
- Hovering over the
keys
Relax when not actually keying and try using arm/wrist
supports.
- Unnecessary repetition of
keystrokes/mouse
Use Macros to insert whole phrases/sentences that you use
frequently, at a stroke of the ‘enter’ key.
- Only able to use one
hand
Set the ‘sticky keys’ option in Control panel -
Accessibility options.
- Desk not deep enough to allow
a wrist rest
Look at arm/wrist supports height adjustable keyboard and mouse
trays.
The above information covers only the most
common causes and is far from a complete reference. If you would
like further advice or information please
contact us.
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