Writing cramp
Handwriting / Writing cramp
Needless trouble
Writing cramp is a misery. It spoils exams and can hamstring a career. It can be avoided, but is seldom given the attention it needs.
Prevention beats a cure
Children should be asked regularly if their hands hurt when they write. Otherwise the trouble can persist unnecessarily long before it is noticed. Those afflicted need comforting and reassurance. All need a reminder of a loose grip from time to time.
For a moment or two, let go
Use fast scribble exercises to relax you hand: horizontal and vertical zigzags, spirals to the left and right. This doesn’t take long and is time very well spent.
Standing up for a moment often helps. Put you palms flat on the desk and bend the fingers back by leaning gently forward .
The problem
The usual cause of writing cramp is misplaced concentration. You tighten your grip to write better. Sympathetic tension affects other muscles. Soon your hand hurts. But you can avoid it.
Want to try the gorilla grip?
Clench your fist hard for a minute or two. You will probably notice tension that affects your whole arm, and may even grip your shoulder. (Do relax before it’s too late.)
You should recognise the trouble when your hand grips the pen harder than necessary. Just relaxing is usually enough to stave off further misery.
Sensible investment
A simple grip that slides on a standard pen or pencil is inexpensive. It can make a big difference.
Plan B: a changed grip
A tense thumb is a major cause of writing cramp. In the absence of reliable numbers, at least four out of five cases is a plausible estimate. Fortunately there are several ways of holding a pen. Here are four.
Popular solution
Many people simply slip the pen between the index and middle finger at the first signs of discomfort. Some hold it that way all the time.
Shift the thumb
The thumb can also be moved up the shaft of the pen until it points at the first joint of the index finger or touches it. This stops many people from gripping harder.
Variation on a theme
Sticking the hooked thumb under the index finger gives a tight grip. After a while the position of the middle finger may need adjustment.
Extreme case
If other remedies fail, try taping a pen to the index finger. Masking tape (also called painters’ tape) is easier to get off afterwards than the cellophane kind.
Of course this method won’t do for long. But at this stage, tension and despair are often more difficult to deal with than the grip itself. It should feel like a game rather than punishment.
Children who suffer this kind of stress may need medical help.
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