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geekhack Community => Ergonomics => Topic started by: Ameo on Fri, 20 March 2015, 20:44:09

Title: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: Ameo on Fri, 20 March 2015, 20:44:09
Hi.  I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I have an issue with my hands getting incredibly cold while typing and/or playing games on the computer for long periods of time.  I am in a rather chilly basement so I'm sure that's a large part of the issue.  I have some fingerless gloves that help a bit, but they also make accurate mouse use and typing more difficult.  Does anyone have any methods they use to deal with cold hands that I could try out, or is it a matter of getting a warmer basement?
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 20 March 2015, 20:51:41
Hi.  I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I have an issue with my hands getting incredibly cold while typing and/or playing games on the computer for long periods of time.  I am in a rather chilly basement so I'm sure that's a large part of the issue.  I have some fingerless gloves that help a bit, but they also make accurate mouse use and typing more difficult.  Does anyone have any methods they use to deal with cold hands that I could try out, or is it a matter of getting a warmer basement?

hahahaha..

Long sleeves help

Also.. Working-out with weights help improve circulation..
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: mkawa on Fri, 20 March 2015, 20:51:54
warm packs! you can use rice, beans, anything fibrous and inert. put them in a little baggy and toss them on a heater or in the microwave for a teensy bit

http://www.reddit.com/r/starcraft/comments/ewyq5/what_are_some_cheap_reusable_hand_warmers_like/
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: Evo_Spec on Sat, 21 March 2015, 01:41:01
I use some fingerless gloves, it helps but you're probably better off with mkawa's suggestion of some kind of warm packs.
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: KnivesM on Sat, 21 March 2015, 01:49:16
Dress warm, hot packs as mentioned already, running mildly hot water over hands or soaking in sink. The warm water is only a quick fix though, I wear a lightweight fleece jacket or hoody as long sleeves helps considerably and it usually keeps my hands from getting cold. You can buy electronic hand warmers if you don't want to use the disposable kinds or have quick access to a microwave for the rice kinds.
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 21 March 2015, 03:13:48
I use fingerless gloves.  Mousing is awkward at first, but you can get used to it.
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: Oobly on Sat, 21 March 2015, 03:58:04
Higher chair, lower desk. Lower hands = more blood flow to them. Not only is it warmer, it's healthier overall, too.

Combined with the other suggestions so far.
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: hoggy on Sat, 21 March 2015, 04:56:19
Rest breaks, preferably somewhere warm.  Could you move the computer to a warmer room?

Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 21 March 2015, 04:57:32
Higher chair, lower desk. Lower hands = more blood flow to them. Not only is it warmer, it's healthier overall, too.

Combined with the other suggestions so far.

Hrrrrmmmmmm...
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: PieterGen on Mon, 23 March 2015, 09:40:52
It could be genetic. I have cold hands too, it runs in the family. If it is severe it's called the Raynaud phenomenon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raynaud%27s_phenomenon). It gets worse from (il)legal stimulants (coffee, adhd medication, cocaine), beta blockers and other substances.  I am a coffee junkie nonetheless :-) 

I have found when my hands (or feet) are cold, they stay cold. I put them under hot water to unfreeze them, and usually they stay warm after that. Regular excercise helps too.
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: SpaceGhost on Mon, 23 March 2015, 10:01:28
Apart from environmental chilliness, hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure) can also be the cause of cold hands, and cold feet as well. If you have not had your blood pressure checked recently, it may be a good idea to do so.
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: GL1TCH3D on Mon, 23 March 2015, 10:14:59
I drink a lot of tea while gaming which helps.

Otherwise the best thing was to increase the temperature in my office where I game.

Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 23 March 2015, 20:25:03
I drink a lot of tea while gaming which helps.

Otherwise the best thing was to increase the temperature in my office where I game.



pretty sure tea constricts due to the caff..

there's low caff tea though..
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: GL1TCH3D on Mon, 23 March 2015, 22:42:33
I drink a lot of tea while gaming which helps.

Otherwise the best thing was to increase the temperature in my office where I game.



pretty sure tea constricts due to the caff..

there's low caff tea though..

Tea is generally very low in caffeine content when compared to coffee anyway.

If you're drinking light green tea or something it really should be a non issue
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: RiGS on Tue, 24 March 2015, 05:42:57
Eat more food, drink less water.
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 25 March 2015, 02:19:23
Eat more food, drink less water.

I don't see this drink less water part?
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: Novus on Wed, 25 March 2015, 05:37:32
Eat more food, drink less water.

I don't see this drink less water part?

That's because your understanding of physiology is nill :D
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: Frenir on Wed, 25 March 2015, 05:40:18
I have this problem as well, I think I just have ****ty blood-flow overall - my feet are always cold too.
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: Zustiur on Fri, 27 March 2015, 03:41:21
Drop hands down by your side, relax shoulders. Shake hands vigorously. Do this regularly.
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: Demesnenyx on Fri, 27 March 2015, 05:42:52
I use a floor heater to warm my hands/feet when I need to.
Title: Re: Extremely cold hands while typing/gamin
Post by: Oobly on Mon, 30 March 2015, 07:32:59
Higher chair, lower desk. Lower hands = more blood flow to them. Not only is it warmer, it's healthier overall, too.

Combined with the other suggestions so far.

Quoting myself to reiterate the value for those with long arms, low blood pressure, poor blood flow, etc.