How can I avoid carpal tunnel when typing?
Hi!
Exercise and strengthen your hands and wrists in a way that doesn’t contribute to deterioration, but helps keep it at bay instead. The key thing to remember is that you’re looking for ways to exercise that avoid any extremes.
Being in overall good health will ensure you keep CTS at bay, and helps you to take prompt action when symptoms kick in.
Best Regards,
Arella Bernales
Community Moderator at Typesy
Hello, @guiliacook!
As someone who suffers from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my right wrist, I thought I’d chime in! I have some advice, but I’m not confident you can absolutely avoid CTS. I know from experience, however, that you can alleviate the pain!
When it flares up, due to over activity, typing becomes really uncomfortable. I was initially a self-taught typist, and I know my lack of proper posture and hand positioning when typing added to the development of my CTS. Now knowing the touch typing technique, and having learned of the proper ways to hold my body, I find myself getting flare ups far less.
Anything that stresses the nerves running up and down your arms can contribute to CTS. I suggest looking into proper posture to ensure you’re being as safe as possible when typing. For me, relaxing my arms was a game changer. When you hold your elbows bent tighter than 90 degrees, the nerves running down to your hands get all squished up and this causes pain, numbing, and tingling in the fingers. Try stretching out your arms as much as possible and keep your shoulders relaxed.
Hope that helps!
Regards,
Alex (The Reimagined Classroom Teacher)