The Basics of Healthy Writing

Students are soon going to start spending a lot of time with their pens, so here's some advice on pen ergonomics and the prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The tips from Los Angeles orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gary Brazina and San Francisco plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Kulick are meant to help parents and students select the proper writing instruments for the new school year.

The most important thing parents and teachers can do for children who are learning to write is to teach the children how to hold the pen correctly, both say.

"Most kids hold a pen with a kind of 'death grip.' The usual reason that children feel discomfort from pens is that they hold the pen too tight and too low. This can cause increased cramping in the hand and forearm," Brazina says.

Children should use a lighter grasp to reduce hand cramping and improve penmanship.

"What works for many people is holding the pen between the index and third fingers, using the third finger for support and the index finger for motion," Berzina says.

Left-handed children are at greatest risk for developing an unhealthy writing style, Kulick says.

"Many left-handed children write with their wrist flexed and their elbow angled in such a way that they put tremendous pressure at their wrist," Kulick says.

He suggests teachers encourage left-handed students to write with their wrist in the neutral or slightly extended position, with the paper parallel to their forearm. That will help prevent fatigue and possible injury.

For all children, a pen or pencil with a wider grip may make it easier for them to learn penmanship, since children usually are still developing fine motor skills at the point where they're learning to write.

Anyone writing with a pen or pencil needs to stop once every half hour to rest the writing hand while gently opening and closing the hand. This helps increase blood flow and relax finger and hand muscles. Brazina also recommends extending the wrist a few times to relieve tension in the forearm.

More information

Here's where you can learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome.

Reference Source 101

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