Home > Blog > Uncategorized > Wrist Pain From Typing? You’re Probably Not Doing THIS

Wrist Pain From Typing? You’re Probably Not Doing THIS

Evan Jensen

Do you get wrist pain from typing?

You know…first there’s a little cramping in your wrists and fingers. Maybe a burning sensation, tingling, numbness, or weakness.

And you’re thinking, “I don’t have time for this.”

Because you’ve got deadlines, assignments, more freelance marketing work to do. And then there’s the crush of email.

So you ignore that wrist pain from typing…and power through it, because you’re bound and determined to make a living writing.

Only that wrist pain from typing doesn’t really go away. Some days it radiates all the way up your arm.

If you take a day off from pounding the keyboard, you might get some relief.

But when you’re back at it, chasing deadlines, drumming up freelance work, and trying to stay on top of all those emails, it usually comes back.

Been there, done that?

I’ve been paid to write as a staffer and freelancer for 20 years. That’s a lot of keyboard time. And I’ve had my share of wrist pain from typing.

But when I started doing this ONE thing, it went away…pretty much for good.

If you have wrist pain from typing, you’re probably not doing this…

My ‘wrist pain from typing’ turning point

I was on a 2 a.m. deadline as a reporter to file a city council story for The Liberty Lake Splash newspaper near Spokane, Wash.

At the time, I had a lot of wrist pain from typing, writing extra stories, putting out a special edition, and freelancing for The Spokesman Review.

It’d been that way for a long time. And I wondered if the wrist pain from typing was…

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve that runs through the arm and passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist.
  • When this happens, it can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, and a burning sensation in your hand, wrist, fingers, and arm.

And I dreaded the thought:

“What if I need surgery…in both wrists? I’ll be off work for weeks.”

I walked out of that late-night meeting, popped some ibuprofen, took a swig of Mountain Dew, and filed that story a couple hours later…wrists on fire.

The Band-Aid fix to pain-free writing

If you’ve ever had wrist pain from typing, (that’s probably most freelance writers) you’ve probably looked for ways to find relief. I had to do something, and I think I tried everything short of surgery. This included:

  • Ibuprofen
  • Braces to stabilize the wrist
  • Gel pads for my keyboard
  • A wrist-friendly mouse
  • One of those ergonomic keyboards with a wavy design

Nothing really seemed to work

Although, I didn’t try acupuncture, which has been proven to help treat carpal tunnel symptoms, according to a study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences.

The only time I really felt relief was when I spent a day or two away from typing.

Sound familiar? This isn’t a good option if you plan to make a living writing. Cause let’s face it, as a freelance writer, you’re going to be typing,..a lot.

The accidental cure to wrist pain from typing

I thought surgery might be inevitable to fix my wrist pain from typing. And then something happened by accident that changed everything:

  • I signed up for a strength training class at the Spokane Valley YMCA.
  • A personal trainer took my measurements, gave me some tips on running long-distance races, and asked me a bunch of questions about what I do for work (typing and sitting). Wrist pain from typing came up, and he gave me some homework.
  • For the next four weeks, I lifted weights three days a week. I got a little stronger and leaner.

But the best part…my wrist pain from typing was GONE.

The freelance writer’s fix for wrist pain

If you have wrist pain from typing, you don’t have to give up freelancing. And you don’t have to become a gym rat.

But there are some things you can do to alleviate the pain, and avoid surgery so you can make a living writing.

1. Save your money

The Band-Aid fixes for wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome, provide some temporary relief. But they’re not a long-term solution.

2. Adjust your workstation

As a freelancer, you’ve got the luxury of working anywhere…like from your bed if you want.

But when you’re at your computer, your wrists should be in a neutral position, not bent or angled in a funky way.

3. Take short breaks from typing

Make it a habit during your work day. This doesn’t have to be long. Just a minute or two throughout your workday.

Stop typing, and stretch your hands, fingers and wrists like this:

  • Rotate your wrists up and down, and side to side. Apply pressure with one hand to stretch your wrist.
  • Stretch your fingers far apart. Hold for 3-5 seconds, and repeat.
  • Shake out your hands and wrists like you’re trying to air dry after washing.

Note: Honestly, I don’t do any of the exercise above anymore, because strength training is the thing that fixed my wrist pain from typing.

4. Strength train at least two days a week

You should do this at least two days a week, anyways. It’s what the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends for all adults.

  • Lift weights.
  • Do bodyweight exercises like push-ups, lunges, planks, and crunches.
  • Dust off your weight set, dumbbells, or exercise machine and use it.

5. If you don’t get relief from wrist pain from typing…

See a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. You may need surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, or something else may be causing your wrist pain.

Keep typing to make a living writing

If you want to make a living writing, you and your keyboard need to get along…pain free, so you can land new clients, crush every deadline and make money.

Do you have wrist pain from typing? Let’s discuss in the comments.

Evan Jensen is a freelance copywriter and blog editor for Make a Living Writing. He’s also a personal trainer and ultramarathon runner.

Grow Your Writing Income. FreelanceWritersDen.com

Freelance Writing Websites: 5 Essentials to Attract Ideal Clients

Freelance Writing Websites: 5 Essentials to Attract Ideal Clients

Writer Websites: 5 Tips to Attract Freelance Clients. Makealivingwriting.com

What’s the secret to creating one of those writer websites that get’s noticed?

You know…an ideal client lands on your writer website. And you’ve got all the right stuff there to get that person to call, email, or connect on social media.

Great writer websites can:

  • Generate freelance writing leads
  • Grow your network
  • Show off your portfolio
  • Help you stand out as the writer in your niche

…while you sleep.

Chances are pretty good you already know writer websites help the pros stand out.

But what does your writer website look like?

Maybe you keep putting it off or avoid giving it an upgrade because you’re not a graphic designer, web developer or tech genius.

Sound familiar?

If you aren’t sure where to start or how to improve your online presence, you’re in luck. I’m going to show you the 5 essentials writer websites need to help you stand out, move up, and earn more.

How to Find Entry-Level Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners

How to Find Entry-Level Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners

Best Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners. Makealivingwriting.com

Right now, a record-high number of people are considering a freelance writing career. My inbox is overflowing with questions from newbies. And the first question is: “Where can I find freelance writing jobs for beginners?”

If that’s you, sending hugs! I totally feel your confusion. The freelance marketplace is a big, complicated place. There are lots of types of paid writing, and different kinds of clients, too.

I’ve been helping writers get started for a dozen years now. And I know how mystifying it can be. You feel like there’s a door you need to find, a person you need to know, a secret you must unlock to become a freelance writer.

But really, the path to freelance writing jobs for beginners is simple.

You need to find someone willing to let you write for them. That’s it.

You get a few samples and boom — you have a portfolio to show. And you’re on your way.

There are fairly simple, break-in writing assignments that newbies tend to get. I’m going to outline what they are below.

But first, I need to explain something…