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How do you keep your wrists/hands from hurting??
Posted: Apr 11, 2011
I'm a recently graduated newbie and hoping to get a job soon. My question for you experience MTs out there is how do you keep your wrists and hands from hurting from the hours of typing? Is it all in the ergonomics? If so, how do you sit & keep your hands up? Should I get a wrist brace or an ice pack? Any suggestions??
;
A few tips - Elderberry
[ In Reply To ..]--When I first started transcribing over 15 years ago, a PA I worked with suggested wearing carpal tunnel wrist braces to prevent problems. I've done that ever since. I've used different kinds. I prefer those with more support than just an elastic sleeve but not too bulky. Price around here ranges from about $13 to $25 each, but they're worth the investment and if cared for will last a long time. I buy them either in a drug store or some chains like Target will have them.
--Use an ergonomic keyboard instead of a standard straight one. I've only used Microsoft as that's the only brand around here, but there are probably others.
--A good adjustable office chair for lumbar support, height and tilt adjustment.
--Keep forearms level with keyboard. Don't rest heels of hands on keyboard putting wrists in a flexed position.
--Do some stretches and range of motion of your wrists and arms, flex and extend your fingers, etc., at least every hour. When I first started, I kept a kitchen timer by my desk to remind me.
Hope this helps.
P.S. - Elderberry
[ In Reply To ..]Also see the post down the page about wrist braces and carpal tunnel. Certainly, cold packs if wrists are hurting, might help. I've also read of some success with vitamin B6 supplements. You can do a web search to read more about that.
Great tips from Elderberry and also - starstruck
[ In Reply To ..]This sounds simplistic, but use a text expander with as many entries as you possibly can to cut down on the actual amount of typing that you do. After you get more experienced, it will be possible to type an entire report with very little acutal continuous typing. For some reason, my thumbs tend to bother me the most, so occasional gentle massage at the base of the thumb joints helps, too.
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