Writing

Writing with arthritis can be difficult, which is why most of those living with arthritis opt to use assistive technology (such as a computer, laptop or tablet) to complete their work. 

Some of the most common complaints associated with writing are: 

• Hand pain 
• Poor writing style / handwriting that becomes hard to read 
• Reduced writing speed due to pain or discomfort 
• Difficulty gripping the pen 
• Pain felt when resting the pen on a bony part of the hand 
• Pins and needles in the hand, wrist or arm 
• Shoulder or neck pain 
• Fatigue 

If you’re living and working with arthritis, it’s important to recognise that there can be a host of challenges outside of those presented by your condition that make writing more difficult. It’s a good idea to identify the root cause of the problem so that you can work on a solution that suits you. For example: 

• Your overall working posture (considering your whole body, neck and head) may be limiting your ability to write comfortably 
• Hand posture can present a problem if you have numbness or lack dexterity in your hands
• You may be living with an associated condition, such as median or ulnar nerve compression/irritation, which makes tasks like writing more difficult 

Solutions 

If you’re required to write as part of your job, there are a number of strategies you can use to make this aspect of your work a little bit easier. 

1. Choose the right pen 

There are so many options available when it comes to writing instruments, and it really is a case of trial and error to find the right one for you. 

The key thing to keep in mind when selecting your pen (or pencil) is to make sure it glides easily across the paper. Something like a gel pen or ballpoint will glide and write easier than a fountain pen. 

You’ll also need to assess the grip of the pen. Pens with thicker barrels and a padded grip close to the nib are usually the go-to style for those with arthritis. 

If grip is something you struggle with due to your condition, you might consider using a pen halter. In extreme cases, changing the method altogether and using a specialist finger pen or custom-made, hand-based grip device might be the best solution for you. 

2. Change the angle of the surface you’re writing on 

If you’re finding writing to be uncomfortable, one of the solutions you can try is changing the angle that you’re writing at, as this will also affect your head and next posture. 

One of the ways to do this is to use a writing slope (which is best if it’s adjustable, so that you can trial and test a slightly sloped writing angle and a more severe slope). 

3. Take regular breaks 

It’s important to acknowledge that your writing pace may not be what it used to, particularly if you’ve felt the impact of your arthritis come on in recent years, or if you’re currently experiencing a flare-up. 

Whilst it can be frustrating to have to write slower than you would like to, it’s important to listen to your body and work within your limits. 

Writing can cause a lot of stress on the joints and muscles in your hand, so be sure to take breaks often to avoid becoming fatigued. 

4. Use assistive technology 

There is a host of technology available to us now that can replace the need for writing altogether; for example, using speech to text software, or a dictaphone. 

Of course, in some cases, the notes you record with your voice will also need to be recorded on paper or in a document on the computer. If this step is causing you concern, consider speaking to your colleagues to see if anyone in your team is available to help you type/write up your notes.

Document holder / writing slope 

Some office work might require you to work with printed documents on your desktop and documents or files on your computer simultaneously. 

Where this is the case, it’s really important that you get the positioning of your documents (and your monitor and keyboard) correct, as: 

• If the document is placed in front of the keyboard 

You’ll need to reach over it in order to type, which can lead to shoulder, neck and back pain over extended periods of time. 

• If the document is placed to one side of the keyboard 

You’ll be adjusting your posture often as you turn to look down at the document, and then return to working on your screen. 

Solutions

One solution might be to use a document holder. When selecting your document holder, be sure to look for one that’s large enough and strong enough to hold the documents you’re working with. 

When considering size, you’ll also need to make sure it can be placed within your workspace in a position that’s comfortable for you. 

In searching for the right document holder for you, consider those which will provide: 

1. A height-adjustable holder next to the screen for light papers, such as when you’re required to type minutes.
2. An inline holder for large documents (especially helpful if the documents are referred to a lot and are occasionally written on).  
3. An inline holder/writing slope for documents that are referred to often and written on. 

Whichever you opt for, your reading/writing slope or document holder should be adjustable in terms of angle and height.