Typing Gloves

The Importance of Hand Health While Typing on a Computer

Did you know that the average person types thousands of words each day? In our digital age, our hands are busier than ever. Every tap on the keyboard and click of the mouse can lead to fatigue, strain, and even serious conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. For those who spend long hours working at the computer, maintaining hand health is essential. It not only prevents discomfort and injuries but also helps keep you productive. Let’s delve into the common challenges associated with excessive typing and mouse use, and explore effective solutions, such as the innovative use of typing gloves.

• • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): This is a relatively common condition, affecting about 3-5% of the general population in the UK according to the NHS. It occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Typing with bent wrists or using a mouse without proper wrist support can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel. This can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain, primarily in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. Repeated motions and awkward wrist positioning can exacerbate these symptoms, making everyday tasks challenging.

• • Osteoarthritis: In the UK, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis, impacting nearly 9 million individuals. This condition involves the gradual deterioration of cartilage, the protective tissue at the ends of bones. Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and decreased flexibility, often affecting the hands and wrists. Repetitive activities like typing or prolonged use of a computer mouse can put extra strain on the small joints in these areas. This added pressure may speed up cartilage wear and tear, worsening osteoarthritis symptoms. As a result, individuals might experience heightened discomfort, swelling, and even further reduction in their range of motion, which can hinder their ability to perform daily tasks comfortably and efficiently.

• • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Affecting about 1% of the UK population, is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks joint linings, causing inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage. This systemic condition can impact various joints throughout the body, with hands and wrists often being affected. Repetitive tasks like typing or continuous mouse use can increase strain on these vulnerable joints. Such activities may lead to heightened inflammation and stress, exacerbating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Those affected might notice more pronounced pain, swelling, and stiffness, making routine activities more challenging due to discomfort or fatigue. This increased joint stress can also contribute to the disease’s progression.

• • Repetitive Strain Injury: Repetitive strain injuries result from repetitive movements and overuse of muscles and tendons, often seen in individuals who perform tasks like typing or using a mouse for extended periods. These injuries can lead to symptoms such as pain, aching, and tenderness in the muscles and tendons. The repetitive motion involved in typing or clicking a mouse can strain the tendons and muscles in the hands, wrists, and forearms, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Without proper hand positioning or taking regular breaks, these repetitive actions can exacerbate tension and muscle fatigue, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks without pain.

• • Tendinitis: This condition involves inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive movements such as typing. Typing for long periods without taking breaks, especially if you have poor hand and arm posture or an improperly arranged workstation, can strain the tendons. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and mild swelling in the affected area. If left untreated, tendinitis can worsen over time, making routine tasks difficult and possibly leading to more serious injuries.

• • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: This condition affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Repetitive thumb movement and gripping actions during typing can contribute to this inflammation. Individuals may experience pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, which can extend up the forearm. The pain often worsens with activities that involve grasping or pinching, making typing and other hand movements uncomfortable.

• • Trigger Finger: Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, this condition occurs when a finger gets stuck in a bent position due to inflammation narrowing the sheath that surrounds the tendons in the finger. Frequent typing, especially with excessive force or poor ergonomic practices, can contribute to this condition. Symptoms include stiffness, popping or clicking sensations, and pain when moving the affected finger. If severe, it can result in the finger becoming locked in a bent position.

• • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: This condition involves compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve, which passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow. Prolonged typing with elbows bent excessively or resting on hard surfaces can increase pressure on this nerve. Symptoms include numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, pain in the forearm, and weakness in the hand. Repetitive stress and improper ergonomics can exacerbate these issues, making tasks that involve fine motor skills more difficult.

• • Raynaud’s Syndrome: Raynaud’s Syndrome, a condition affecting nearly 10 million people in the UK, is characterized by reduced blood flow to certain areas of the body, most commonly the fingers. This reduction in blood flow can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and changes in skin color, often triggered by cold temperatures or stress. Prolonged typing or extended use of a computer mouse, particularly in a cold environment, may worsen these symptoms. This is due to the limited movement and sustained static position of the hands and fingers, which can contribute to decreased circulation and trigger Raynaud’s episodes.

How to Care for Your Hands: Preventing Long-Term Issues

Taking care of your hands is essential, as neglect can lead to long-term issues and changes in hand function. Our hands are composed of a complex network of bones, muscles, tendons, and nerves, all working together to perform everyday tasks. Repetitive actions and poor ergonomics can strain these components, making them vulnerable to various problems.

To prevent these issues, maintaining proper posture and ergonomics while using a computer is key. Keep your wrists in a neutral position to avoid any unnecessary bending. Ensure that your mouse is within easy reach to minimize stretching and strain. Without these precautions, continuous tension can lead to inflammation and discomfort, potentially causing lasting effects.

Regular breaks are crucial as well. Extended periods of typing without rest can increase muscle and tendon strain. Incorporating hand stretches and exercises into your routine can improve flexibility and circulation, promoting healthier hands over time.

Now, Let’s explore an effective way to care for your hands while using a computer: wearing typing gloves for added support and protection.

The Role of Typing Gloves

Typing gloves are crafted to deliver support and gentle compression to the hands, which is particularly benifical for frequent typists. The compression they offer can enhance blood circulation, potentially alleviating fatigue and discomfort during long typing sessions. By supporting the joints, tendons, and muscles in the hands and fingers, these gloves may help improve functionality and prevent strain. This can reduce the risk of injuries or worsening existing conditions. Furthermore, the added support can enhance strength, grip, and dexterity, leading to improved control and precision with the keyboard. This improvement can translate into faster and more accurate typing, allowing users to tackle tasks with increased ease and confidence.

In 2022, a study by the British Ergonomics Society examined the impact of compression gloves on hand function and comfort. The study involved 200 participants, both office workers and freelance writers, who frequently engaged in extended typing sessions. Over six months, participants were divided into two groups: one wearing compression gloves and another wearing placebo gloves without support or compression. Data was gathered through surveys, hand function tests, and ergonomic assessments.

The study assessed improvements in hand comfort, grip strength, and typing efficiency. Results showed that participants wearing compression gloves experienced a significant reduction in hand fatigue and discomfort compared to the control group. Additionally, they demonstrated enhanced grip strength and improved typing speed and accuracy. These findings suggest that typing gloves