From: michael@resonex.com (Michael Bryan)
Newsgroups: comp.emacs
Subject: Re: hand injuries
Date: 27 Jan 93 11:53:07 GMT
Organization: Resonex Inc., Sunnyvale CA

In article <1993Jan26.002855.29015@smos.com> david@smos.com (David Tornheim) writes:
>I have used EMACS for about 8 years now and have sworn by it, since
>I can use it on almost every machine.  Unfortunately, I've noticed that
>my hands hurt quite a bit at the end of the day, _especially_ when
>I edit files with EMACS.  The frequent use of the CNTL key combined
>with another key is the motion that is most painful. (e.g. I use C-b and
>C-f a lot to move around within a line, since commands like M-F and
>M-B actually take longer).

As other people have pointed out, you should check out sci.med.occupational,
and the associated FAQ for that group.  I'd suggest that you try the
following things:

    1)  Seek medical attention.  You should be able to file a claim
        under a Worker's Compensation program, since your problem is
        probably work related.  If left untreated, your hand and
        wrist problems can develop into severe tendonitis or even
        Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  The earlier you have it checked out,
        the better.  [Worker's Comp might not be an option if there
        are other non-work things that contribute to the problem, such
        as extensive guitar playing, and other such things.  However,
        you should try.]

    2)  Get information on how to setup your work environment so that
        your desk and keyboard are at the proper height, and your
        posture is correct.  This can go a *long* way toward solving
        your problem.  You might also try to work with your HR
        department to get adequate in-house education on ergonomic
        issues for keyboard-intensive environments.  Your employer
        has a responsibility to provide you with a safe working
        environment, and a lot of large companies have people devoted
        to ergonomic issues.

    3)  Avoid "improper" wrist motions.  With an HP keyboard, using
        emacs, I frequently use function keys just to the right of
        the normal keyboard keys.  My right hand had a much more
        serious problem than my left hand.  What I found was that
        I was rotating my hand at the wrist to access these keys,
        which is a definite no-no.  I've been retraining myself
        so that I instead move my entire arm over to that location,
        via a combination of small shoulder and elbow movement.
        This has helped my condition remarkably.  Your problem
        with the control key might be solvable with similar
        changes.  Move common functions to single function keys
        (especially arrow keys for motion), and learn how to
        access those keys without bending your wrists.  It takes
        a fair amount of work to break the old habits, but it
        is certainly worth it.  (In my case, I wore a wrist brace
        for a couple of weeks when the problem was most severe,
        and I learned very quickly just what movements I was making
        that moved the wrist.  I still haven't completely retrained
        myself, but I'd say I do the right thing with the function
        keys about 80% of the time.)

    4)  If you use a wristpad, do *not* use it for weight support
        while typing.  That was another thing I was doing wrong.
        (In fact, there is a worn and dirty indentation in my pad
        where my right hand rested while twisting the wrist to 
        access the function keys.)  Rather, if one is used, it
        should only be used as a "guide" to keep the hand and
        wrists at an even height, and allow smooth motion as you
        move your hands from side to side.  The temptation to use
        one incorrectly might be too great, and perhaps you shouldn't
        use one at all.

I don't think you have to switch away from emacs.  Just use it more
sensibly, and learn good typing habits.  And do it soon --- the less
severe your problem is, the easier it is to correct.

-- 
Michael Bryan     michael@resonex.com
Newsgroups: comp.emacs