When typing, pointing and touching, scan your hands and fingers for tension

When typing, pointing, and touching, scan your hands and fingers regularly for awkwardness, tension, or discomfort as you type and use the pointing device or touch technology.

While typing, observe whether you have a heavy or light touch. Use the minimum force needed to depress the keys. Avoid holding unnecessary tension in your thumbs and fingers. You may be surprised to find tension in a thumb or finger that is not being used for typing, pointing or touching.

Hold the pointing device loosely. Use your whole arm and shoulder to move the pointing device, not just your wrist. Keep your wrist straight and your hand relaxed and click the buttons using a light touch. To give your pointing hand a break, you may periodically control the pointing device with the opposite hand. Use the device software to switch the button assignments. Use the software control panel to adjust the properties of the pointing device. For example, to reduce or eliminate mouse- lifting, try increasing the acceleration setting. When you are not using the pointing device, do not hold on to it; let it go.

You may find that supports for your hands allow you to be more relaxed and comfortable. A palm rest may be used to provide support during pauses, but keep your wrists free to move while typing or using a pointing device.

When typing, pointing and touching, scan your hands and fingers for tension

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