If you’re a professional writer or editor, chances are you’ve experienced hand pain or numbness, or will at some point in your career. Today, I overheard some of our folks talking about what they’ve done to try and alleviate it.
As usual, they had a lot of good ideas. First, don’t ignore the pain. Learn about and follow ergonomic best practices, and set up your workstation properly. Initial pain could be the first sign of something serious that warrants professional treatment, so go see your doctor if pain persists.
Short of surgery to correct a serious injury, or physical therapy, or prescription drugs, there are dozens of over-the-counter supplements, oils, lotions, etc., both pharmacological and homeopathic, that you can try. In our group, no one raved about any of those. Some folks find a special mouse or keyboard helpful, but it’s not always convenient to tote equipment with you when you work at more than one location. There are also wraps and gloves and braces that you can try, but only one product has worked effectively for multiple members of our team, and fostered genuine enthusiasm.
One of our editors, Sarah H., wrote up the next part of this post based on her own experience with hand pain, and an inexpensive product that has really helped her and others.
Keyboard-tested and Writer Approved!
My favorite high-tech product is pretty low tech. Let me tell you why I adore the Handeze Therapeutic Support Glove (aka therapeutic craft glove).
When I first started working in high tech about 20 years ago, I quickly developed sore hands and wrists from all the computer work, especially when I used the mouse a lot. That pain was with me all the time, not just at work, but disrupting my sleep, and causing some discomfort while driving or cooking or doing other activities where I used my hands a lot. My boss, Marie, did a lot of cross-stitch, quilting, and other craft work and recommended the Handeze glove.
I picked one up at the local craft store for about $8, and tried it out the next day. Game changer! Right away, I felt less achy while working, and the persistent soreness that I’d been living with gradually went away, too. This glove improves circulation and keeps my hands warm without overheating. For me, Handeze gloves are magic.
Handeze makes different versions of these gloves, and I use the simplest one, which just covers my hand and wrist with soft Nylon-Spandex material. I wear it on my dominant hand, which does all the mouse work, and that’s enough. I wear it inside out so the seams are on the outside. Try one out. If you get a size 4 and don’t like it, I’ll buy it off you. I can always use a spare.
And About Other Technical Writing Pain…
In addition, Expert Support can always help with technical writing to reduce the pain it causes. We’re ready tap into our proven network of great technical writers. Chances are good someone in our network is looking for a new assignment right now just when you need them most. Of course, the more lead time we have, the better. Click here to tell us exactly what kind of help you need, and when.
And if you’re a technical writer looking for the next cool assignment, reach out and tell us about the kinds of projects that you’d be thrilled to take on. Our pipeline might have just the right project shaping up, and we’re trying to find you right now. Click here to learn more about how you can join us. I look forward to hearing from you.
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