The Best Keyboards to Reduce Carpal Tunnel

Posted on 10/31/2019

Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS as it is sometimes referred to, is an extremely common problem amongst people who spend large amounts of time making small, repetitive moments with their wrists and forearms. This could include tasks such as knitting, woodworking, playing a musical instrument, writing or painting. However, carpal tunnel is most often seen in people who spent a lot of time working at a computer, in particular, typing.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which is the main nerve that passes from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. The median nerve is responsible for providing sensation and feeling to the palm side of the thumb, and to the index, middle and part of the ring fingers. It also controls some of the small muscles at the base of the thumb. To protect it, the median nerve is housed in a narrow passageway of bones and ligaments. It is this passageway that is the carpal tunnel. Several things can cause the carpal tunnel to become compressed, but in most instances of CTS, it occurs as a result of inflammation or irritation that causes the carpal tunnel and nerve to become compressed.

If you spend a great deal of time using a computer, you may be suffering from some of the early signs of carpal tunnel. These symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in your hand and fingers, burning pain that travels up your arm and weakness in the muscles of the hand. Fortunately, there are now keyboards that are specially designed to help reduce carpal tunnel. Here is our take on a few of the best.
 

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Number Pad

The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Number Pad have a split keyboard layout that keeps wrists and forearms in a relaxed position, whilst a cushioned area provides essential wrist support. Although it may look unusual, the arc of the keyboard layout follows the natural curves of the fingertips, facilitating a much more natural way of typing. The reverse tilt design positions the keyboard at the perfect angle to reduce and correct any wrist pronation that might lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Meanwhile, the separate number pad gives users the flexibility to position it where they would like.
 

Perixx PERIBOARD-512 Ergonomic Split Keyboard

Not all that dissimilar to the Microsoft version, this keyboard has a split-key, 3d design that conforms to your natural arm and hand positions, whilst also having an integrated wrist support. The tactile keystroke is designed to reduce the amount of pressure needed when pushing the keys and the keyboard itself has a little shorter key travel distance than a full height keyboard. Many people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries have reported seeing a significant improvement in their condition following using the Perixx PERIBOARD.
 

Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB

This fully split keyboard gives users the ultimate flexibility since you can position the halves of the keyboard as close together or far apart as you’d like to help reduce shoulder strain and neck tension. Each half has padded wrist support and can be tented (the inner edges of the keyboard halves raised) at various angles to suit your individual comfort. It can also be programmed for complete customization.

If you have any questions about carpal tunnel syndrome, our knowledgeable team would be delighted to help. Please contact our offices today to speak to us.