There are a lot of articles out there that talk about ergonomics and repetitive strain injury (RSI) from working at the computer. I won’t regurgitate all of that information here when you can read more first-hand accounts in other places. The main point I will focus on in this article is that cold hands can be a warning sign of RSI and a variety of research papers that have relevant studies related to this topic. If you are having discomfort in your hands throughout your day, stop and observe whether or not your hands feel cold. If so, a step toward remedying this, like wearing fingerless gloves from Refiber Designs, may be one of the simplest things to do to actively help your hand/wrist discomfort.

Cold hands can be a warning sign of RSI.[1]

A study found a notable decrease of hand skin surface temperature during prolonged work with a computer mouse. (14.8% average decrease with a regular computer mouse over a 3 hour period of work). Moreover, the temperature of fingers became extremely low, close to the ambient temperature (23.6˚C or 74.5˚F) and even slightly lower, after prolonged work at a computer.[2]

2 studies looked at hand skin temperature before and after short typing tasks, comparing those with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSD) and those without and found that those with UEMSDs showed colder hand temperatures, especially in the most severe cases.[3][4]

A population based study, found that self-reported occupational exposure to contact and ambient cooling was associated with symptoms suggestive of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.[5]

Raynaud’s Phenomenon & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

While Raynaud’s phenomenon affects 5 to 10 percent of the population[6], multiple studies have detected Raynaud’s significantly more frequently in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome patients.[7][8] One found 36 percent of CTS patients with detected Raynaud’s phenomenon compared to the control at 12 percent.[7] Another found that 60% of their CTS patients had Raynaud’s phenomenon.[8] While we can’t draw specific conclusions from this correlation, it makes one wonder whether Raynaud’s phenomenon might increase the likelihood of additional strain on the wrist, considering a trend of experiencing colder hands day-to-day.

Warmth & Relief

Another study measured the effects of heat, cold and pressure on the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament and found that after heat, the nerves, ligaments, and tendons showed significantly more elasticity.[9] This improved elasticity may help reduce risk of injury. A study on the role of stretching in tendon injuries demonstrates that increasing tendon elasticity can help with treatment and prevention of tendon injuries.[10]

More specifically in regards to heat treatment, another study tested the impact of continuous (8 hour periods) of low-level heat wraps on the wrist for common conditions causing wrist pain and impairment such as sprain, tendinosis, osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The wrist heat wrap reduced the symptom severity and joint stiffness and also improved grip strength, functional status and patient rated wrist evaluation.[11]

The book, Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer User’s Guide[1], writes the following in regards to gloves at the office:

Fingerless wool gloves may be helpful [for RSI] if your hands get cold; just make sure they don’t choke your fingers. ‘Support’ style gloves work rather like splints, so don’t work while wearing them. (p 129)[1]

The book goes on in discussing a hand warm-up routine for RSI which includes:

Hold your hand to your cheek. Does it feel cold? If so, put on fingerless gloves. (p 184)[1]

Refiber Designs Fingerless Gloves

Gloves from Refiber Designs are a great fit for helping keep hands warm while still being productive with your hands throughout the day. These gloves are non-compression in non-bulky fitted sizes and keep movement unrestrained and the fingers free. They really are so comfy you’ll forget you’re wearing them!

Wearing these gloves is one of the simplest things you can do to reduce strain in your hands and wrists throughout the day.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I have Raynauds and ulnar nerve issues and these are such a blessing. My hands aren't frozen while I'm typing anymore! Will definitely be ordering more."

-review for Refiber Designs hand warmers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Super comfortable! They felt a little too big at first, but now I recognize their total freedom of movement. They’re cozy, a little fluffy even, and they immediately helped alleviate my wrist pain. I work in front of a computer all day and my wrists get cold over time and start to ache. Now that just isn’t a concern anymore. Love them!”

-review for Refiber Designs hand warmers

Recommended by the Raynaud's Association: Read their review here

[1] Emil Pascarelli, M.D., Deborah Quilter, Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer User's Guide, Wiley, 1994 (access the book for free here)

[2] Reste, Jelena et al. “Wrist Hypothermia Related to Continuous Work with a Computer Mouse: A Digital Infrared Imaging Pilot Study.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 12,8 9265-81. 7 Aug. 2015, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120809265

[3] Gold, Judith E. et al. “Infrared thermography for examination of skin temperature in the dorsal hand of office workers.” European Journal of Applied Physiology 93 (2004): 245-251. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1210-6

[4] Gold, Judith E et al. “Skin temperature in the dorsal hand of office workers and severity of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.” International archives of occupational and environmental health vol. 82,10 (2009): 1281-92. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0450-5

[5] Stjernbrandt, A., Vihlborg, P., Wahlström, V. et al. Occupational cold exposure and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome – a population-based study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 23, 596 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05555-8

[6] https://www.raynauds.org/frequently-asked-questions/#collapse-1-15504

[7] Pal, Badal et al. “Raynaud’s phenomenon in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome” Scandinavian journal of rheumatology 25 3 (1996): 143-5 . https://doi.org/10.3109/03009749609080004

[8] Chung, Moon Snag et al. “Prevalence of Raynaud’s phenomenon in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.” The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume 81 6 (1999): 1017-9 . https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620x.81b6.9765

[9] Laymon, Michael et al. “Effect of heat, cold, and pressure on the transverse carpal ligament and median nerve: a pilot study.” Medical science monitor: international medical journal of experimental and clinical research vol. 21 446-51. 11 Feb. 2015, https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.892462

[10] Witvrouw, E., Mahieu, N., Roosen, P., & McNair, P. (2007). The role of stretching in tendon injuries. British journal of sports medicine, 41(4), 224–226. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2006.034165

[11] Michlovitz, Susan L. et al. “Continuous low-level heat wrap therapy is effective for treating wrist pain.” Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation 85 9 (2004): 1409-16 . https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APMR.2003.10.016

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