I Can Hardly Type Anymore: Can You Help?

Whether you’re typing a report for work, a paper for school, or sending messages to catch up with friends, typing is a big component of time spent on the computer. However, wrist and hand pain 一 such as the sharp pain of carpal tunnel syndrome, the stiffness of arthritis, or the inflammation of tendonitis一can quickly bring your typing to a halt and severely limit your ability to use a keyboard effectively.

You don’t have to give up your keyboard, though. If typing is difficult and painful, it’s time to ask for help.

With two board-certified hand surgeons here at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services, our team understands the complexities of hand and wrist conditions, and we’re more than ready to help you get the relief you need.

If you can hardly type anymore, here are three ways we can help 

1. Identify the orthopedic conditions that make typing difficult 

If typing is painful and/or impossible, the first step is to determine the root cause of your difficulties. Several orthopedic conditions can make typing difficult due to pain, stiffness, or limited mobility in the hands, wrists, or fingers. 

Some of these conditions include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Dupuytren's contracture
• Trigger finger
• De Quervain's tenosynovitis
• Fractures or trauma

A physical exam, a review of your symptoms, and an analysis of diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray, all help to confirm your diagnosis.

Some of these conditions, such as a fracture, require immediate treatment. You may not be able to type at all if you’re immobilized in a cast or need pins and screws. In this case, you might consider a voice-to-text option while your fracture heals.

2. Suggest modifications to make typing easier 

Once the Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services team determines the source of your discomfort, they can help suggest lifestyle modifications to make typing easier.

Here are several strategies you can try to alleviate discomfort and improve your typing ability:

Using ergonomic equipment

Make sure your workstation is ergonomically friendly. Switch to ergonomic keyboards, mice, and wrist supports. These tools can help promote better posture and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

Take regular breaks

Take regular breaks from typing to rest your hands and allow them to recover. During your break, try hand stretches like the claw stretch, grip strengthener, and finger lifts.

This is also a good time to stretch your legs, give your eyes a break from looking at the screen, and move your body. 

Use cold and heat therapy

Apply heat or cold therapy to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in your hands. Use warm compresses, heating pads, or cold packs as needed. 

Reminder: never place an ice pack directly on your skin. Always put a tea towel or washcloth between the ice and your skin.

Wear compression gloves

Depending on the source of your pain, you may feel relief wearing specialty compression gloves. These gloves help with neuropathy pain, swelling, carpal tunnel pain, and joint pain. 

They’re not just for typing, though. If you have hand pain, you can also wear them for other activities, such as knitting or crocheting.

3. Comprehensive care to restore functionality 

If orthopedic conditions persist or worsen despite self-care measures, don’t hesitate to visit us here in Porterville, Reedley, or Visalia, California. 

Workplace adjustments may help prevent exacerbating your symptoms, but they won’t necessarily address the root cause of your pain. For example, if you have a trigger finger, you may not find complete relief without a steroid injection to reduce inflammation, a percutaneous release, or surgery to cut the restricted tendon sheaths.

With two board-certified providers specializing in hand surgery, you can rest assured that your hands are in the best hands. Dr. Liu and Dr. Tien can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as physical therapy, prescription medication, injections, or, in some cases, surgery. 

The specific type of surgery depends on which condition is impacting your ability to type. When possible, the team utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques. The goal of surgery is to improve your symptoms, restore your ability to type, and improve your quality of life even beyond the keyboard.

Ready to get relief? Simply click here to book your appointment online.