Are you protecting your wrists from the dangers of carpal tunnel syndrome? If you spend hours of every day on a computer, you shouldn’t take this condition lightly. The pain and discomfort associated with this condition can reduce your ability to work efficiently (or even at all). In addition to the physical toll, carpal tunnel syndrome can be extremely expensive, with worker’s comp claims costing upwards of $30,000.
Just like we would work to improve tech neck posture to reduce neck pain, let’s pay attention to taking care of our wrists! In today’s post, I want to highlight risky positions to avoid when working at your computer.
Avoid Wrist extension/flexion
Your wrist position is crucial to focus on while working on a computer. If you lift your fingers while typing (wrist extension), it may be due to a keyboard with a positive tilt (the top of the keyboard closest to the monitor is higher than the bottom), which can cause strain on your wrists and hands. On the other hand, if your desk is too low, you might be reaching down to your keyboard. This can lead to wrist flexion, which is painful over time. Watch the video below for a demonstration of these positions.
To avoid this, it’s essential to adjust your chair and keyboard so that you can work in a neutral wrist position (straight wrist). Additionally, palm support can help reinforce this position and prevent discomfort. There are plenty of keyboards and ergonomic products out there on the market that can make this process easier.
Avoid ulnar deviation
When typing on a keyboard, ulnar deviation is another common occurrence. This occurs when your thumbs come together, and your fingers come apart – watch the video below for a demonstration. Often, this position is caused by typing on a keyboard that is too close together or using wide armrests that cause your shoulders to round and elbows to widen. To avoid ulnar deviation and prevent injury, it’s essential to maintain a neutral position while typing. An excellent tool for achieving this is a split or ergonomically shaped keyboard, which allows for a little more distance between keys and angled keys.
The next time you’re working at a computer, take a moment to look down at your hands while typing. Are they in the correct position? A few simple adjustments may be all that is needed!
If you have questions or need equipment recommendations, let us know. VerticAlign is here to help! By taking a proactive approach to your wrist health, you can stay comfortable, productive, and pain-free well into the future.
