One of the bigger health issues for typists is RSI. When we type away, we put a lot of strain on our hands and wrists to perform. When we fail to take breaks and rest our hands, it causes damage, sometimes permanently.
Fortunately, you don’t need to just make do with taking breaks. You can grab a few tools that help prevent RSI without breaking the bank.
1. Try Ergonomic Mice and Keyboards
Before we jump into this topic, it’s important to say that there’s no strict evidence that suggests that ergonomic mice and keyboards directly prevent RSI. However, if your hand happens to find them more comfortable, then all the more power to you.
Ergonomic mice and keyboards redesign how our hands use them. They’re shaped to better fit our hands, which, in theory, reduces the strain and stops RSI from developing.
We Recommend: Logitech MK550 Wireless Wave Keyboard and Mouse Combo
2. Try a Supportive Wrist Pad
While you’re kitting out your keyboard and mouse, you can also try getting wristpads for your office. These are small cushions designed to give your hands somewhere to sit when you’re not using them.
You may have already seen ergonomic mousepads, but did you know you can get wrist rests for keyboards, too? They work just like the mousepad rests except for when you’re doing long bouts of typing.
We Recommend: 3M Gel Wrist Rest for Keyboard and Mouse
3. Use Software to Inform You When to Take Breaks
Did you know there’s special software you can install that informs you when you’ve been typing for too long? This is a great tool if you’re forgetful of the time and tend to write for long stretches.
Set it up for the amount of time you want to work for, then start typing. Once the timer goes off, take a few minutes to rest your hands before you continue. This simple work-break cycle can do wonders for preserving hand and wrist health.
We Recommend: RSIGuard
4. Try a Finger Exerciser
If you want to give your hands something to do during the break, try a finger exerciser. These are little gadgets that provide resistance when you squeeze them.
You can use these to give your fingers a little workout while you’re resting. The higher-end models allow you to adjust the resistance to your liking, so you’re never tiring out your fingers before your next typing session!
We Recommend: D’Addario Varigrip Hand Exerciser
5. Use Finger Putty
If a finger exerciser is a little too expensive for your tastes, you can try finger putty instead. This is typically used to regain finger strength for people who underwent surgery, but it’s also great for giving your digits an after-typing workout.
Don’t be too distracted by the pretty colors: they’re typically not just for show! Some manufacturers will make different resistance grades of putty and use a color key to identify them. It’s a good idea to look for a set of putties with different resistance grades, so you can find the one that appeals to you the best.
We Recommend: Playlearn Therapy Putty
Tools to Deny RSI
RSI can put a nasty stop to a typist’s career, but you don’t need to suffer such a fate. By taking regular breaks and using the right tools, you can avoid injuring yourself and keep typing for years to come.