Make sure the pen writes smoothly, without skipping or dragging along the page. Avoid buying pens that rattle or leave behind blotches of ink. Light pens are easier to balance, making them more ideal for writing for longer periods of time. For pencils, try heavier grades of lead like 2B, which allow for lighter grips.
Hold the pen from the back, leaving more space at the side of it with the writing tip. [2] X Research source Fountain pens are ideal for most writers, as they don’t require a lot of pressure against the page. Avoid ballpoint pens if you’re not comfortable with them, as their design requires you to apply more pressure against the page. They also tend to be made cheaply.
Don’t get discouraged and switch to improper writing techniques, even if you’re faster at them.
Try a gel or rollerball pen. If you write often for long periods of time, these are great investments. Some gel and liquid inks may also flow smoothly enough to help discourage you from clenching and pressing.
The most common grip is between your first and middle fingers, using your thumb to hold the pen or pencil in place. Another grip is placing your middle and index finger on top, using your thumb to hold the pen or pencil in place. Calligraphers (who are very practiced writers) hold their writing instruments with their thumb and forefinger, resting the pen gently on top of their forefingers’ knuckle.
Is your hand position neutral? Try to hold your wrist straight and don’t turn or bend it as you write. Are you reaching or straining in any way to reach the page or the desk? Move the desk, chair, and paper until you are comfortable. Is the rest of your work space comfortable? Are the chair and desk at the right heights for you? Can you see and reach the page without straining or crouching? Are other items you need (such as the stapler or telephone) within easy reach? Is your wrist, arm, and elbow supported, at least when you are not actively writing?
For longer writing sessions, vary your posture. Lean one way and the other in your chair, and try to lean back every now and then. Always make sure you can breathe properly—slouching can lead to reduced oxygen levels because the position causes you to breath from the top of your lungs instead of the bottom, which isn’t as effective due to less gravity. [4] X Research source
Take walks outside if you have the time.
Take the time to do some quick hand and finger exercises.
If you have a lot to write, try writing in several smaller sessions rather than one long one.
Decreasing stress by getting outside and doing other activities is especially important for creative writing and preventing writer’s block.
Repeat the process from the beginning with your opposite arm about 5 to 100 times.
Do this repeatedly, but each time you make a fist, alternate between the 3 choices: a straight fist, full fist, and hook fist. [5] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Regularly exercising your writing hand is important to prevent cramps.
Repeat this exercise with both hands.
You can also do this exercise with your palm facing away from you and your fingers pointed up. In this case, you still press your fingers toward you.
Most big-box stores and popular online suppliers sell stress balls
Hold this position for around 10 to 15 seconds. This exercise stretches your fingers, hands, and forearms, and also improves circulation.
Some solutions include a workspace more suited to your size or work habits (e. g. a chair and table of a more suitable height, a slanted or elevated work surface), a different selection of writing implements, and a different means of writing (such as dictation or typing in lieu of writing longhand). Doctors can also refer you to an expert for an ergonomic evaluation and suggestions about your workspace and work habits.
You can also create a homemade splint using 2 straight, narrow objects (like two pieces of cardboard) by taping one to the top of your finger and one to the bottom. If your fingers are tingling or numb, seek medical attention. These are signs that you’re not getting enough oxygen and blood flow to the injured area.
Local pharmacies and online suppliers sell many kinds of splints. Wear your splint for 2 to 3 weeks at nighttime. Symptoms are typically the worst at night because your hand bends more when you’re sleeping. Splints don’t always work, but don’t have side effects like medication-based treatments.
NSAIDs are not effective for carpal tunnel syndrome. Using NSAIDs for long-term treatment of pain has been linked to stomach bleeding, ulcers, and increased risk of heart attacks. Anti-cholinergic drugs like Artane and Cogentin are more suitable for writer’s cramp (or hand dystonia). [9] X Research source
Steroid injections are typically used to treat tendonitis, arthritis trigger fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff tendonitis. Side effects of corticosteroid injections include a “flare,” which is pain felt 1 or 2 days following the injection, as well as increased blood sugar, skin thinning, skin lightening, tendon weakening, and in rare cases, allergic reactions.
