Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and E-Readers

esbsms · Post by **esbsms** » 18 Jun 2014, 16:04

So I have always read books. They are an important part of who I am. About two years ago I purchased my first Kindle and it opened up a whole new world of book reading. So I kind of got addicted. Any free time I had I would take advantage and read. Now I'm starting to show some symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, although, I haven't been diagnosed. I don't work in an office or do any type of work that could also be causing these symptoms so that leaves using my Kindle.

What are your thoughts on the relationship between Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and using these very awesome and convenient E-readers?

sybil1reader · Post by **sybil1reader** » 18 Jun 2014, 20:12

I don't know if it is carpal tunnel syndrome or not, but I hold my Kindle in my left hand with the corner resting between my forefinger and thumb like the letter "L". I noticed that now I have pain and a burning sensation between those two fingers. Very painful!

gali · Post by **gali** » 18 Jun 2014, 21:42

I don't know if there is any connection. I read a lot on my kindle and don't have side effects. You should check it out.

Bluefirerose · Post by **Bluefirerose** » 22 Aug 2014, 06:35

I have pain in the hand that is holding whatever I'm reading book or my kindle. I usually lay the kindle in my lap so I don't have this problem. Can't do that with a book

Tenzi · Post by **Tenzi** » 01 Apr 2015, 11:36

I have the same problem. I found the best way around it is actually rather simple, prop a pillow in your lap and lean the e-reader up against it so you don't have to hang onto it. Works great. In a pinch a blanket or your kids stuffed animal will do nicely. If you prefer to read sitting at a desk then they do have stands you can buy, but I don't know how costly they are.

c_medina · Post by **c_medina** » 05 May 2015, 11:27

I often prop mine up beside me and read to avoid the fatigue feeling in my hands from holding it. I just wish their was a voice command to turn page!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 06 Feb 2019, 07:51

I read on my kindle often- and for long periods of time and have not noticed any symptoms of carpal tunnel.

Chikari · Post by **Chikari** » 24 Feb 2019, 16:20

Any super repetitive movement (or holding of a position) can damage your muscles and nerves so it's possible holding your Kindle is what's causing your trouble. I have carpel tunnel from something unrelated and find it easier to prop up my kindle against something while I really. That way, all I have to do is scroll or turn the page. Keeps my hands or wrists from hurting.

readsbyarun · Post by **readsbyarun** » 06 Aug 2020, 14:15

I don't think there is anything to do with this syndrome. I have a habit of changing my holding position once in a while just like the way I do while i read physical books.

Helen Akoth · Post by **Helen Akoth** » 16 Mar 2022, 04:28

I think there is some inherent risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome when you overuse any electronic gadget, especially those that require typing. Those are also my fears, and I always try to stay as much as possible from my computer when I am not using it.

Charlienmegan Wehner · Post by **Charlienmegan Wehner** » 15 Jun 2022, 08:25

I will notice my fingers get sore from tapping after a while but I usually just rearrange how I am holding my Kindle and my switch it to scrolling instead.