The Kensington Comfort Type USB Keyboard is a low cost ergnomic keyboard that I use. It has angled keys to force a comfortable, relaxed wrist position and light action for easy touch typing. It is easier to switching to than the other keyboard I use…

The Kinesis Advantage USB Keyboard is an ergnomic keyboard that I also use. It has a split design that keeps your wrists in a more natural straight out position, rather than twisted inwards. The Delete, Back space, return, Space keys are used often, so they are positioned so your more powerful thumb can hit it. It took me about a week to get used to it, but it is worth it.

Try to visit a store to test out more expensive keyboards. A lot of their ergonomics has to do with how far apart your hands are in a neutral position and how big your hands are.

I have these two keyboards and switch between them during the day.  This prevents my hands from getting stuck in one position for too long.

Credit: UCLA Ergonomics
Ergonomics is one of the first things users address when confronted with a RSI. It is really important to setup your computer workstation properly.

Here are some site with good information. PRINT OUT the information you need. Don’t use your computer more than necessary
Office-Ergo.com

Cornell ergo Tips

Humanics-es - Rethinking work ergonomics

UCLA Ergonomics

The most important aspects are:

Remember that just setting up your workstation correctly will not result in instant healing. You have been injured and will need time to heal.

Here are two books that have helped me recover from Repetitive Strain Injury or RSI, which many people call Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Dr. Pascarelli’s Complete Guide to Repetitive Strain Injury: What You Need to Know About RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Dr. Pascarelli

This is the bible on recovering from RSI. Recognizing the early signs and risk factors, Finding a doctor, Preventing RSI, recovering.

Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome : And Other Repetitive Strain Injuries by Sharon J Butler

This book contains stretching exercises to gently relieve the tension in your body and to strengthen weak muscles. The exercises I employed are on page: 106, 110, 112, 116, 128, 130, 134.
I perform them every morning.

Bicycling had a piece on cyclist’s palsy. “About one-quarter of all riders will develop cyclist’s palsy–pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the hands, wrists or fingers–says Andrew Pruitt, a bike-fit and sports-medicine expert.” They go on to suggest adjusting bike fit and list some exercises to strength muscles.

As one suffering from computer induced tendonitis and as a person who enjoys cycling, I have faced a double whammy. When I had severe symptoms, I simply stopped biking and switched to hiking and running. Any time you stop using your hands, you let them heal.

I started using Ironman Elite cycling gloves because of their thick padding. They work pretty well. I also have their mountain biking gloves but do not like them as much because of less padding.

I installed a Stem Riser to make my road bikes handlebars higher. This allow more weight to stay on the saddle and off my handlebars. Keep in mind that you may have to install longer cables with a higher stem.

Road biking is very hard on the hands.  I found that I could tolerate far more road riding using my mountain bike.  Hey some riding is better than NO riding.

This site has some good tips from a doctor.

Welcome to the No Carpal Tunnel Blog.