Typing Technique Issue (overanalyzing something simple)

Published by Mixolydian in the blog Mixolydian's blog. Views: 261

I seem to have this horrible issue with my typing technique where I hold my right pinky finger out and up, extremely tense, and it gets to be painfully sore after a while. My typing is fairly fast and almost perfectly accurate, but this one flaw ruins everything.

Now, I could attempt to relearn to type entirely, but that seems to be a lot of wasted effort, seeing as I already have decent speed and accuracy, but the tension is unacceptable. Tension is what causes long term damage. Now, I can't think of any real use for my right pinky, aside from the right shift key, so it would be acceptable to lose usage of this finger, but it's still rather unpleasant when it starts aching. I've attempted taping my ring finger to my pinky finger to hold it still, but this just results in the ring finger becoming more difficult to use.

Perhaps someone has a suggestion that doesn't involve entirely relearning this skill?
Jan 18, 2013
  • 51m0nn
    51m0nn Jan 18, 2013
    I can't think of anything for the moment, as I have never had that problem before.

    The one suggestion that I do have for you is to maybe try typing a little bit slower, and then while doing that, relaxing your pinkie. Perhaps then your pinkie will get used to it and not go all tense when you type. It may take a while though.

    I also have a few flaws in my typing method, where instead of hitting the apostrophe keys, my ring finger hits the semi colon key, and so I often have words like can;t don;t you;re instead of can't don't you're

    I've been continuously practising typing them with the apostrophe, and it seems to be fixing the problem, so maybe what I suggested will help you, is the tenseness involuntary?
  • Mixolydian
    Mixolydian Jan 18, 2013
    Indeed. Completely involuntary. Many actions I perform have unnecessary muscular tension. It's the main reason my technique with various musical instruments is so awful.
  • 51m0nn
    51m0nn Jan 18, 2013
    Maybe it's a condition you have then? I would then recommend going to a doctor or physician if it really bothers you.

    But, maybe try a few exercised with your hands first, like trying to open and close them slowly, moving each individual finger up and down without moving the others, or tying to move your two left fingers away from your two right fingers, and then trying to move your centre fingers towards each other without moving your outer fingers.

    It's just a hunch, and might not even work, but it's worth a shot!
  • Glorious Rex's Apostle
    Glorious Rex's Apostle Jan 18, 2013
    The only solution I can propose is to just type about an hour a day. There are plenty of typing tests online. Personally, I've sort of developed my own method where my hands sorta float above the keys. I never have any problem typing (such as pain) because I've practiced so much.

    I believe all it is is practice. However, I don't think the 'standard' finger position is the best way. If you type only in English, a Dvorak layout is also a possibility. I own one, yet I do not use it because... it's sorta broken. I wore out the home row, which is apparently a common problem.

    Dvorak Keyboard
    A good typing test.
    Cookies.
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