Writing With A Wrist Brace

[Martini25]

Hello all!

 

I am a big writer and just this year, in order to help improve the quality of work and to become a more engaged worker with my group, I just started keeping a journal of work/study notes. Basically I write down all my thoughts, concerns, ideas,..etc in order to be able to voice them. I'm a huge introvert and this has actually helped me out since starting it just last week! Everyone has been commenting that I should had done this sooner and that I have some great insight/thoughts to contribute.

 

I'm also a huge Origamist and recently went on a folding spree. Unfortunately this resulted in a pinched nerve, a strained wrist, and overall mild pain. My doctor gave me instructions to wear a wrist brace on my right wrist and to rest as often as I can. This is all fine and dandy at home, where I can afford to just be kind of lazy () but at work I have to sign documents, fill out forms, and keep up with my journaling.

 

I want to be able to write with a wrist brace but I find it difficult! I can read my handwriting but there should be some way to make this easier! Does anyone here have any ideas as to what I can do? Write at an angle or prop up the journal? I'd rather continue writing than just trying to type everything out.

[Ghost Plane]

Sounds like you're a "finger" writer. Try using the muscle of your forearm as a pivot point and "sketch" your letters. A search for shoulder writing on this site will bring up many descriptions. It's far more restful and will save your hand over time. A fatter fountain pen if you're using one with a slim diameter will also help.

[iamchum]

I am an arm writer (I think), most of the force comes from my forearm, which is what Ghost Plane recommends. However, I am also a big writer and now write with a forearm brace (wahah just can't get away from it). My tip would be to take breaks from writing often, just to stretch your legs and arms, wander around a bit, before sitting back for another session. Also try to find something relatively soft to rest your forearm on, like a thin pillow, or like some sort of rubbery latex pad, just so you're not pivoting against a hard surface for a large period of time (that was my problem )

[Mickey]

I sprained my wrist a couple of days go and am wearing wrist brace right now. You may find it difficult to believe, but my typing is much more affected than my writing. My writing is just fine. No pain, no strain. Here's my version of the 19th century American approach to penmanship.

 

1. Sit up straighter; don't lean on your desk.

 

2. Let your arm hang naturally so that your forearm rests lightly on the desk.

 

3. There should be only three points of contact with the desk (in descending order of pressure), the pad of muscle just in front of the elbow (light), the last knuckle or so of the little finger and or ring finger (lighter), and the nib (nil).

 

4. Relax your grip. Feel that your fingers and wrist are inert, but not stiff or immobile.

 

5. Write by moving your entire hand. If the little finger is not sliding around on the page along with the nib, your fingers are too active.

 

5a. Alternatively, think only about moving the nib. Let the point lead and all the other parts will follow.

 

6. Move the paper every few character with your other hand rather than moving your arm sideways, so you can keep your eyes over the writing zone.

 

Your fingers will still move, but they will act more as guides for the entire arm, rather than doing all the work by themselves. Try it. It really works.

Edited January 12, 2013 by Mickey

[iamchum]

Palmer method!!

 

edit: actually i really recommend palmer method. It's what I use now, and it is a good mix of comfort, speed and legibility. The book goes into posture and technique as well as part of a holistic writing method.

Edited January 12, 2013 by iamchum

[Mickey]

Or Spencer. Same game.