Cramp when writing

[Tizzybudd]

Has anyone got any ideas how to help my son - he gets terrible cramp in his hand (between his thumb and index finger)when writing - the pain can be so bad that he has to stop what he is doing.

He will be taking his GCSEs soon and is obviously keen to overcome this before then. He isn't affected in any other area so dont think its a dietary problem - any suggestions gratefully appreciated!

Thanks,

Tizzybudd

[tiggerblue10]

Maybe its the way he holds the pen. My hands used to hurt after a lot of course-work writing years ago. I put it down to the way I held the pen.

[Jugglering]

I used to get a similar sort of pain after writing a lot - usually when using a biro and I found that I was gripping the pen too hard and pressing down too much. The problem resolved itself when I started to use a roller ball instead of a biro, so maybe your lad could try one of those or one of the gel type of pens.

[angeldraws]

Are you sure it is due to actually writing and not due to playing on a games console - its just that my son had a lot of problems with his fingers and thumbs but whenever he was grounded and his console taken off of him for a day or two it seemed to improve alot.....
just a thought.....

[tiggerblue10]

It could also be the start of Carpel Tunnel. Does he use a mouse a lot?

[Tizzybudd]

Thanks for these - jugglering - he does grip and press down quite hard - his writing is tiny too so it maybe worthwhile looking at different types of pens maybe.

Tizzy

[Clanad]

If I may... I have a friend that has an unusual writing style. She holds the writing instrument (by the way, what's a biro?) with the middle finger (the longest one) nearest the tip of the pen.pencil, with the pointing or index finger resting just above. She has a lovely hand write. I asked how she develped such a style and she explained it was due to getting cramps between her thumb and first finger as a child. Additionally, I've found the larger barrelled writing pens to be much more comfortable. Like this ... (I'm in the U.S.)

[sense4all]

My right hander loved this new ergonomic number.

http://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/Stabilo_S_Mov e_Easy.html