At school and at work, typing seems unavoidable.

As the world becomes digital, more of us have jobs that require us to sit in front of the keyboard for long periods of time.

Whether you are white-collar, blue-collar, or a student, typing seems unavoidable.

Typing too much and with the wrong posture can be harmful. Our bodies were not built to be in front of computers.

Fortunately, there are some ways to reduce your risk of injury and pain from typing too much.

There’s no magic line or magic number that divides those who type too much and those who type too little. The data demonstrates what scientists call a dose-dependent response. Any amount that you type adds to the strain on your hands and wrists.

Some keyboard designs may be better than others. In one study, researchers found that better keyboards can significantly reduce pain over the course of just 12 weeks.

They found that a keyboard with less travel distance and less impact on your fingers may allow your fingers to relax more leading to better outcomes.

The position of your wrists when you are typing can make a significant difference. One of the biggest risks of typing too much is carpal tunnel syndrome, where overuse causes inflammation and pain, numbness, and tingling.

Researchers in this study directly measured carpal tunnel pressure at different wrist angles to see which position was best.

They found that straight and flat wrists are most likely the best position. Any angle or bend away from flat or straight increased the amount of pressure in the carpal tunnel.

When it comes to reducing the amount of hand and wrist pain, try typing less. There’s more than enough evidence showing that the more you type, the more strain you put on your hands. If possible, try dictating more and taking a break from your keyboard.

If you must type a lot, be sure to select a keyboard that allows your hands to relax. Test the keyboard out first and see whether it is comfortable and whether it causes any unnecessary pressure on your fingers.

Finally, by repositioning your desk, your chair, or even using small pads, get yourself in a position where your wrists are straight. Minimize side-to-side angles and up-and-down bends in your typing position.