Avoiding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Posted on Friday 23 February 2007

You have probably heard of computer users suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal Tunnel is caused by prolonged, repetitive motions. Medical professionals refer to this ailment as Repetitive Strain Injury or RSI.

The motion of the wrists and hands when operating a keyboard can be a major contributor to the onset of RSI. However, there are things you can do to help avoid suffering from this condition. Replace your keyboard with one that is ergonomically designed. The use of a keyboard tray on most modern computer desks reduces the strain place on your hands and wrists by lowering the keyboard in relation to the desk top.

If you spend a lot of time working at a keyboard try to keep your wrists straight while you are typing. An adjustable ergonomic chair can make a big difference too. Adjust the height of your chair so that your elbows are at about the same height as your wrists.

Finally, take rest breaks and flex your hands and wrists to work out any tension. You may be facing deadlines, but if you spend too much time at your keyboard you will risk damaging your wrists.



Filed under: Computer Furniture and Keyboard Trays and Ergonomics and Computer Desks and Task Chairs