Most would believe that typing is a fairly low-risk activity for injury, but contrary to this belief, typing has been known to bring about some physical issues that are annoying at best and that end in surgery in the worst-case scenario. The expansion in technology and computer use only continues to multiply the number of these injuries. So here is more information about typing-related injuries for your use. Repetitive stress problems are the most common injuries related to typing. These problems are caused when an individual repeats the same movement over and over. Typing on a keyboard of regular shape and size can cause a repetitive stress injury and can bring on numbness, a cold sensation, or pain in the fingers, wrist or hand. Keyboards for typing usually aren't designed for proper hand placement. When one uses a standard keyboard, the hands are flat and placed palm facing downward. The wrist is often in a skewed position and therefore prevents one from reaching each key effectively. Both of these positions (forearm pronation and ulnar deviation) are unnatural and awkward and cause repetitive stress injuries. Not only that but the standard key layout (QWERTY), overworks the outside weaker fingers. The keyboard alone isnt enough to cause extensive bodily injury. However, in combination with posture and mouse use, the issues are intensified and the result is damage to the wrist area. Typists should place their keyboard right in front of them, and make sure that the forearm position, from elbow to fingertips, creates a 90-degree angle. The keyboard should not be tilted, but should be as flat as possible. Sitting erect with feet touching the floor and relaxing the shoulders is the proper position to avert typing injuries. Symptoms of a repetitive stress injury will show up in the arms or hands, and some signs include soreness or an ache, a tingling or numb sensation, burning, swelling or a sharp pain. One may have these symptoms in the fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, or shoulder. A problem less commonly related to typing, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, will include numbness, tingling, and pain during the night while one is trying to sleep. Rest is the first response an individual should have to any symptoms. One should also discontinue typing if the symptoms come back during typing activities if one gets to this point, there is damage that needs medical attention. If youre feeling healthy and spry today, come visit the About Us page and take a quick typing test!
Chris Dunn manages a medical transcription business that sponsors <a href="http://www.free-typing-test.com/" style="text-decoration:underline;">Free-Typing-Test.com</a>. Also see: <a href="http://www.about-medical-transcription.com" style="text-decoration:underline;">About-Medical-Transcription.com</a>.
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