Design & Conquer Tips

My Wrists Hurt – A designer’s guide to taking care of your money makers

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My wrists hurt. As I sit here and type, my wrists pop and crack so much you’d think I was popping popcorn. With each pop, a familiar worry creeps to the front of my mind—what if the carpel tunnel is finally here. Who am I if I can’t sketch or create? How will I provide for my family? WHAT WILL I DO WITHOUT MY WRISTS?!

Our wrists are the unsung heroes of the creative world. They put up with endless clicks, strokes and occasional keyboard pounding. I’m sure I’m not the only designer with dramatic fears of losing wrist function. Luckily, according to the internet (and my doctor, who is rumored to be more reliable than WebMD) there are a multitude of ways to combat carpal tunnel that don’t require surgery.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is good for you on multiple levels—but did you know you can reduce joint pain by making sure you’re getting enough fluids? According to this article by the Arthritis Foundation, drinking water helps to flush out toxins in your body, helping to soothe inflammation in your joints.

Exercises for joint pain

Fortunately for us, there are a few simple exercises you can do from the comfort of your desk.

Finger Stretches

- You might read that and immediately extend your fingers out as far as they can but that’s not quite right. Instead, try signing the alphabet! This helps you stretch in more dynamic ways without going ‘too far.’ Plus, it’s an excellent excuse to start learning American Sign Language.

Wrist Stretches

- Extend one arm out in front of you with your palm facing away from you. Turn your arm so that your fingers are pointing to the ground. Use your free hand and gently pull your fingertips and thumb down to stretch the palm and bottom of the wrist. Hold for a few seconds (I like to count to 5) and then repeat on your wrist.

Take Breaks

Remembering to take breaks while you’re in the zone can be challenging, but it’s important to pause for a moment to gulp down some water or engage in those carpal tunnel reducing stretches. These practices are essential for maintaining the happiness and health of your wrists.

Finally, don’t ignore your pain. Living in a society that celebrates the grind often forces us to toughen up and struggle through the discomfort. Yet, by doing so, you often end up causing more harm than if you had simply listened to your body. Remember, your wrists are your money makers—give them all the TLC they need!