What to Look for in a Carpal Tunnel Keyboard
If you're shopping for a carpal tunnel keyboard, look for some important features. There are several to choose from depending on your needs.
And if you hands hurt while you type on a keyboard,
pay attention to that pain. It could mean a problem is lurking that can be a bigger issue later on.
Beware of carpal tunnel syndrome
Hurting hands can be a sign of a progressive condition known as
carpal tunnel syndrome. Perhaps your doctor already gave you the bad news after his/her carpal tunnel test
was positive for this condition.
But most people don’t need a carpal tunnel syndrome test to know that they have this disorder. There’s plenty of information available to tell you what the hallmark
symptoms are:
pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand and fingers.
Also, if your little finger is not affected, and most people have finger/palmar numbness or
thumb pain. This usually is enough to verify you have carpal tunnel syndrome.
It means you’re like five million Americans with this disorder right now. It's a widespread medical problem of the hand with no signs of letting up.
Make some simple changes
Wear a Night Brace
At the mild stage of carpal tunnel syndrome, most people have purchased a
wrist brace to wear at night. That's a great primary defense for carpal tunnel syndrome. But never wear a brace while you use your hands, like when typing. Doing so only makes your hand fight the brace, further stressing it.
Mind Your Posture
If you work at a computer and keyboard a lot and if the bracing alone doesn't help, then you must ensure your workstation is not hurting your hands. Usually,
poor posture is to blame.
So be mindful of your posture. Make sure it's good while you work. Here are the major things to look for:
- Be certain the desk chair is comfortable and of good quality so it allows you to sit upright and never slouch.
- Keep your legs and back at a 90 degree angle.
- Watch that your hands are not too close or too outstretched from your body while keyboarding.
Keyboard and Mouse
An important aspect to a healthy workstation is
good ergonomics . Many people are already aware of the need for a good, comfortable carpal tunnel keyboard or
carpal tunnel mouse if they’re typing all day long. These two instruments are usually sold together or attached. But did you know there are many kinds?
Read below to find out more.
Crucially, most of these ergonomic products essentially do the same thing; they create a way to minimize hand and finger movements. Most doctors will recommend them because they help
- a lot!
Best features of a carpal tunnel keyboard
While traditional keyboards are inexpensive, prepare to spend several hundred dollars for a good ergonomic one. And bear in mind that "expensive" does not necessarily mean "good".
There basically are four types of ergonomic keyboards, as discussed below. You should know that:
- Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but all are good choices to help relieve hand pain.
- The choice should fit YOUR individual needs and comfort level.
Whichever carpal tunnel keyboard you choose, look for one with a
separate number pad and a
palm rest. Those will help support the hands in a comfortable position.
Split keyboard
Tented carpal tunnel keyboard
Negative incline keyboard
Compact carpal tunnel keyboard
You're making the right decision!
You’re making the right decision to solve your hand pain issues by changing your workstation right now. And a carpal tunnel keyboard is an excellent way to start.
Sadly, there are thousands of people who wished they did the same thing – but it was too late for them. They underwent surgery and extensive
recovery
and rehabilitation simply because they delayed nipping their hand pain problem in the bud.
Conclusions
A carpal tunnel keyboard is a good workstation modification to help control carpal tunnel hand pain and numbness. There are several features to look for, depending on what your needs are.