Elbow, wrist and hand guide
Everyday Hand and Wrist Use
There is no single proven way to prevent hand and wrist problems, but there are ways to reduce the stress on your hands and wrists during the day. These come from workplace and Physical Therapy guidance; they are general ideas, not a diagnosis or a plan for you.
Scene 1
At the desk
- Put the keyboard directly in front of you.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed and your elbows close to your body, at about keyboard height.
- Keep your wrists straight, in line with your forearms — not bent up, down or to the side.
- Change position often: small adjustments, standing and walking for a few minutes, or doing some tasks standing.
Scene 2
Mouse and phone
- Place the mouse so your wrist can stay straight, and hold it lightly rather than tightly.
- Set pointer sensitivity so a light touch controls it, and use keyboard shortcuts for common tasks.
- For long stretches of texting or gaming, take frequent breaks and notice awkward thumb positions.
Scene 3
Gripping, lifting and tools
- Use less grip force when you can, and take frequent breaks from repeated tasks.
- Larger tool handles and anti-vibration gloves can reduce strain from tools.
- Keep your hands warm.
- If lifting a baby or toddler, or another repeated task, brings on symptoms, mention it at your evaluation.
When this is not enough
If symptoms keep coming back, or come with numbness, tingling or weakness, an evaluation can look at your work and daily tasks in detail. Shanti offers ergonomic evaluation and training at both clinics.
Request an appointment
Send a request and we will contact you by the next business day. Submitting a request does not confirm an appointment; your appointment is confirmed only after the clinic responds.