Surviving Months Without a Keyboard
Do you spend a lot of time working on a computer? If so, you’re not alone. Many people in the IT industry rely on computers for work and leisure. But have you ever considered what would happen if you couldn’t use a keyboard for several months?
I recently experienced this firsthand when my primary hand started to hurt 24/7. Sleepless nights full of pain and inability to do anything with my right hand. Considering it from today’s point of view, my inability to use the keyboard was just a minor nuisance.
Yes, I could still write with my left hand, but did you ever try that? Writing more than a paragraph was traumatic because of the slow pace and constant need to check for typos. It’s frustrating.
My doctor initially tried to immobilise my hand and prescribed painkillers, but the problem persisted.
Unfortunately, seeing an orthopedist took almost three months because of the high demand for them. Ultimately, it took him ten minutes and one injection to restore some of my hand function. That doesn’t mean my hand is OK and I can do anything like before. I still struggle with tasks like turning keys in locks and opening bottles.
While waiting those three months, I’ve gotten help from an ambulance surgeon specialising in hands. He diagnosed me with arthritis in my thumb joint and inflamed tendons in my palm. He gave me another brace from my general doctor and some anti-inflammatory meds.
I share my experience not to elicit sympathy but to warn others about the importance of caring for your hands. Investing in ergonomic equipment like a comfortable mouse and keyboard can prevent injury and promote good hand health, whether in an office or home. Also, rest your hands and do not overload them as I did.
After talking to the doctors, I understood that the excessive use of mice, which Windows forces you a lot, can significantly strain your hands and cause repetitive strain injuries if not arthrosis. As someone who has mainly used Linux and relied on keyboard shortcuts for years, I found the frequent use of a mouse in Windows, which my employer required me to use, frustrating and detrimental to my health.
Hand injuries can be a massive problem for a computer user. They can be costly regarding lost productivity and medical expenses, so it’s worth preventative measures like investing in a proper ergonomic keyboard and mouse – but even that can’t save you from a chronic overload of your hands – it can just postpone the problems. Regularly performing hand exercises is vital to keep your hands healthy and preventing injuries.
Your hands are your most valuable tools; neglecting them can have serious consequences.