Regular breaks are important when you work long hours - Use Workrave (Free, for Windows, Linux - https://workrave.org/ ) or TimeOut (Not free, for macOS - https://www.dejal.com/timeout/ ) on your computer for this. It does take some time and patience getting used to the regular interruptions, but it really helps. My shoulder, wrist and finger pain reduced greatly once I diligently took all the breaks. (That said, don't do this without first fixing the ergonomics issues, if any. And as others have pointed out, exercises also help.)
Ask HN: How do you manage forearm/wrist pain?
21–24 of 24 posts
Re: Ask HN: How do you manage forearm/wrist pain?
#22I had a similar problem and couldn't use keyboard/mouse for a week when it reached the tipping point.
Definitely start with the ergonomics of your workspace.
This solved my issues:
1. Use trackball instead of a mouse - Logitech M570 is amazing.
2. Use wrist support or a really slim keyboard like the Apple Magic keyboard. Your wrists should not be bent.
3. Use keyboard without numerical keys at the right. Reaching too much to the right to use the mouse was also causing me the issues.
Also don't forget about ergonomics of your desk, chair, and display.
Re: Ask HN: How do you manage forearm/wrist pain?
#23Place your keyboard so that it is below your elbows. Usually that means on a negatively tilted keyboard tray under your desk. This simple change eliminated my wrist pain and numbing.
See Cornell's ergonomics lab guide: https://ergo.human.cornell.edu/AHTutorials/typingposture.htm...
Re: Ask HN: How do you manage forearm/wrist pain?
#24Acupuncture. I had a similar issue with my pinkie and ring finger on my right hand started going numb at work. I had an ergonomics specialist from my company give me a whole new setup, but the only thing that actually helped was getting acupuncture/massage 1-2 times a week for a couple weeks straight. One interesting thing I found out was that while I was having numbness in my hand, the nerve that was causing it was…
I am thinking of exploring this option and wanted to more about the experience.