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Step 1
Place the keyboard directly in front of you, at elbow height. Keep your shoulders back and your elbows at a 90-degree angle when typing. Avoid set-ups where you are forced to move your wrists back and forth, up and down frequently.
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Step 2
Keep your mouse right next to the keyboard. Fatigue is greatly increased when your hands are forced to take long journeys to the mouse. Avoid any set up where your keyboard and mouse are at varying heights or different levels of the desk.
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Step 3
Consider the purchase of an alternative form keyboard for your computer. Ergonomic keyboards are readily available and affordable. Split keyboards and "natural" boards are also becoming more popular. An alternative form keyboard will cost you anywhere between $30 and $300.
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Step 4
Buy a pad to horizontally line up next to the bottom of the keyboard. Allowing your hands and wrists to rest on the keys and desk decreases blood flow to your hands and causes cramping. Thick gel pads are sturdiest and can be found in any office supply store.
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Step 5
Type with less enthusiasm. Yes, it's true. Banging on the keys leads to more fatigue. Finishing that difficult chapter in your novel is certainly a landmark, but you'll get there whether you bang the keys or brush them lightly.
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Step 6
Break up your time on the computer. The best way to avoid keyboard fatigue is to mix up your activities during the day. Forcing your hands, wrists and back to maintain one position for hours at a time is a guaranteed road to pain and fatigue.
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Step 7
Call your doctor. Set up an appointment to discuss preventative treatment with your physician. This is especially important if your long-term career involves computers. Treating keyboard fatigue preventatively is the best way to avoid it altogether.
