Avoiding Writing Fatigue

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Avoiding Writing Fatigue

Students who come to us often complaint that they get tired after writing for even a few minutes. They say that their fingers ache, lower and upper arms pain. There are a few who complain of back pain and shoulder pain after a writing session.

We have found out that most of these complaints are due to either poor pencil or pen grasp, wrong posture or wrong paper position.

If the student following the following instruction, writing fatigue can usually be reduced to a great extent.

Correct Sitting Posture

The student need to sit erect with his feet firm on the floor.

Correct Pencil / Pen Grasp

The pencil or pen has to held with tripod grasp gently.

Correct Paper Position

The paper and the free hand hand placed as show above

We have also frequently found out that student hold the pencil or pen tightly and apply more pressure on the paper which is also a factor for writing fatigue. The writing instrument has to be held with optimum grip pressure.

The barrel size and shape of the pen or pencil is also a common factor that causes writing fatigue. Right sized pen or pencil with correct barrel size, weight and shape will reduce or altogether eliminate many writing fatigue problems.

Put you pen or pencil down when you not writing. For example if you are going through your exam question paper, put the pen down and pick it up when you begin to write.

Taking short breaks while writing and relaxing your hands, arms, and wrists will help avoid writing fatigue.

Squeezing water out of sponge, wet towel, etc can strenghten the muscles.

Other simple exercise are to open and close your hand. Gently stretch your fingers and wrists.

Ergonomics of chair and table you use also plays an important part in writing fatigue. The correctness of the size of the writing area and height of the table and back support of the chair is factor in reducing fatigue.

Self evaluate if your are reaching or straining in any way to reach the page or the desk? Move the desk, chair, and paper until you are comfortable.

Consult to your doctor if you experience pain often or excessively when writing or it doesn't respond to measures you can take yourself. Continuous pain can lead to hand problems if you continue to write. If your pain is severe or does not stop, ask a doctor.