Hand and Wrist Injuries Caused by Typing

Hand and wrist injuries caused by typing are more common than it sounds. We think we are perfectly safe sitting here in front of the computer typing on the keyboard and clicking away at the mouse, but the repetitive motion of the keystrokes is putting use at risk for hand and wrist injuries.

The most common of hand and wrist injuries caused by typing is Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Caused by repetitive motions such as typing and knitting, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome produces tingling feelings, weakness, pain, or numbness felt in the fingers, thumb, hand, and sometimes into the forearm. Surgery can correct the Carpel Tunnel however symptoms can be lessened by taking vitamin B6, strengthening shoulder and arms, wearing a night splint, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and applying ice.

Tendonitis is another common hand and wrist injury. Tendonitis is the inflammation and swelling that most commonly affects the thumb area of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder in writers from the continuous repetitive movements and overuse of the muscles. In the worst-case scenario, Tendonitis can require Cortisone injections to the affected areas but can be treated by apply ice to the area, anti-inflammatory medication, and physiotherapy.

Writers Cramp is caused by the repetitive motion of the fingers and wrists with increasing pain as the motion continues. Taking frequent breaks and changing the position of the hand and wrist while typing can lessen the pain of the repeated motions.

While the exact cause of de Quervain's disease is unknown, it is believed to be caused by the repetitive motions of the thumb and wrist. Symptoms may include swelling, pain and weakness along the thumb, wrist, or forearm, and a grating feeling in the wrist with pain that increases with activities such as pouring or lifting. The inflammation of the tendon around the thumb and wrist area can be treated by resting the area, anti-inflammatory medication, stretching, or wearing a splint. Surgery and Cortisone injections are used in worse cases of de Quervain's disease.

A Ganglion is a cyst that is filled with a clear jelly like fluid. Also known as a Baker's Cyst, the Ganglion can appear where there has been previous joint or tendon damage. The cysts can break and dissolve on there own; however, they can be drained, injected with a steroid, or surgically removed. The cyst may grow larger with the movements of the effected area.

Most hand and wrists injuries that are caused by the repetitive motions of typing can be prevented. Proper posture and positioning of the wrists while typing and prevent most of the typing injuries to the hands and wrists. Taking breaks and stretching will also keep injuries at bay.