artists with carpal tunnel - advice?

[beetledragon3869]

Hey yall! :-D Was hoping for advice from anyone that has carpal tunnel and has continued to draw while having it. I've tried to look up tips online, but half of them start with "this is to prevent carpal tunnel and will not help symptoms"... which, in my situation, it is already a little bit late for that, lol!!   

Are there any practices or stances you take while drawing to lessen the pain? Is wearing a brace while drawing helpful or harmful in the long run? I find that while I'm usually fine in the moment, the pain starts shortly after I finish whatever I'm doing. Would exercises help, or is that one of the things that's more preventative?

Wasn't sure if this should go in art or IRL life, and I can move it if this is the wrong spot. Thanks so much!!! <33333

[clownvomitz]

I had carpal tunnel while i was in art school so i know the pain  so many assignments,,,

What I did was wear a wrist/hand brace through the WHOLE day and try to work on a larger canvas than usual with minimal zooming in. Reducing the bending in the wrists is the best thing for you. (i.e, instead of scribbling in small details try to zoom out and do it that way so you aren't wrist-flicking constantly) also if you're anything like me i'd recommend watching your grip on your pencil as i noticed a tighter grip = more pain, at least for me, though i grip my pencil like a vice so LOL.

also take FREQUENT BREAKS!!! even if you don't think you need to, TAKE A BREAK. work in short bursts with long rests.

good luck soldier and wishing a speedy recovery for ya

[MediocreMetastasis]

I have dysgraphia which hinders my fine motor skills. My hand starts to ache after a certain period of drawing or writing. Usually when my hand starts to ache I take a break and give my fingers a stretch and shake my hand out.
here's a finger stretch exercise I usually do

You could also try doing more larger strokes with your pen so you use your arm or shoulder instead of your wrist.

I hope this advice helps. These are tips I use so they might not be of use to you.