Pain using a Keyboard?

Are you experiencing arm or shoulder pain using a Keyboard?

Review the following tips to see if you can resolve any arm pain using a keyboard.

  1. Keep the keyboard cable loose so it is not restricting the positioning of the keyboard close to you.
  2. The work surface is horizontal and that the keyboard feet are available should you wish to use them.
  3. Check that the keys are all easily readable and fully functioning.
  4. Ensure the keyboard is positioned at the same height as your forearm, i.e. if you have raised your chair, to suit your keyboard height, (see Sitting on an Office Chair: 7 top tips).
  5. The keyboard is close and central to you, so that your elbows remain under your shoulder during use (sometimes a mini keyboard size is a consideration. Also, the softer touch type of keys may be more comfortable).
  6. A wrist rest should only be used during breaks from keyboarding! Be aware that the wrist rest is not restricting access to the keyboard. Your arms and particularly your wrists should be free to move and unrestricted during use.
  7. Try to not hit the keys too hard, review your keyboarding technique!
  8. Consider using Microsoft keyboard shortcuts  or Apple Mac keyboard shortcuts to ease the repetition of keyboarding tasks.
  9. There are many alternative keyboard options – consider the pros and cons of alternatives, as sometimes they can resolve one issue and may create another. If using a keyboard at all is problematic, there are other technology alternatives. Consider obtaining technical equipment advice (eg voice activated software).

We hope this information is useful and practical advice to ease arm pain using a keyboard.

Pain using a keyboard can also be impacted by mouse use and your sitting posture on an office chair.

If you cannot resolve discomfort or pain, you may need an assessment. This can prevent issues in the future or resolve issues you are currently experiencing.

See our Services related to this topic:

A DSE Risk Assessment may be beneficial to ensure the whole set up is correct, according to the DSE Regulations 1992 for prevention of minor aches and pains.

If discomfort is ongoing, requiring medical input, or there is a diagnosed medical condition, a more in-depth Ergonomic Workstation Assessment is required.

See our Case Studies:

DSE Risk Assessment Case Study

Ergonomic Assessment in an Office Role Case Study

Ergonomic Assessment of a Teacher Case Study

Ergonomic Assessment & Return-to-Work Case Study

See our blog articles related to this topic:

Contact Us for further advice and a quotation.

See our Useful Links page which includes diagnosis specific advice from organisations which can help.

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regime, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Healthywork Ltd does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information appearing on this website is solely at your own risk.

Pain using a Keyboard: 9 Top Tips

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Thank you once again for the excellent service you have provided.  Jane was very satisfied with the assessment and I would be happy to recommend you to others needing workstation or other work-place assessments. (December 2017)

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I found today’s assessment very helpful indeed, and am trying my best to keep my keyboard as close to me as possible – makes a big difference when I do, it’s even increased my speed and accuracy, lol.

Also, and more to the point, the pain in my back hasn’t got any worse today, and I haven’t used the wrist support, so having my arms supported (on arm rests) is clearly doing something for them already.

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An Ergonomic Assessment provided by Healthywork was well worth the money. The chair has been set up correctly, and is now more comfortable for the user and we have purchased the desktop equipment they suggested and this along with correct layout and improved positioning has really helped towards resolving the discomfort experienced.

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