How Proper Hand Ergonomics Can Help At-Home WorkersWorking at home? Then, it’s more than likely that you’re on your computer, laptop, or other mobile devices most of the time. With the way things are right now, working from home is a popular trend that wouldn’t be over in the near future.

Feeling tired and feeling some pain after a long day working on your computer? Well, even if you don’t feel aches and pains, it doesn’t really mean you’re not experiencing so-called microtraumas like repetitive strain injuries due to bad posture when working and when those movements are repeatedly done for a long time.

Experts in hand ergonomics and, yes, typing methods, say that there’s certainly a proper way to do it. Correct typing posture will minimize debilitating problems such as strain on fingers and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Here’s a short overview on the best way to do your typing. The setup of your equipment should be as follows:

  • keyboard should be slightly below your elbows when you sit
  • a negative-tilting keyboard is ideal for an upright or only slightly reclined sitting
  • for laptop users, using an external keyboard and laptop tray is a great option
  • use other tools or accessories as needed such as foot resting stools, wrist pads, arm extensions.

A good sitting position is directly related to how your hands and fingers will be positioned, so it’s critical that you sit properly at the onset of your work.

Rest your back against the chair, plant your feet on the floor, look straight ahead, and relax your shoulders. Your knees should be at the same level or positioned a bit lower than your hips. Your wrists should be straight and not flexed downward or up. If you want to use a wrist pad, put it close against the keyboard and use it as palm support and not for the wrist directly.

The habit of practicing proper hand ergonomics is important to avoid health issues, whether currently or in the future.

In addition, do some hand and wrist exercises in between your typing, do neck exercises to release tension on your neck and shoulders, get up and stretch as often as you can as well.

If pain in your hands and wrists from improper ergonomics is getting the best of you, contact us to schedule a consultation today to prevent overuse injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.