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Browsing through the pen selection at your average office supply store, it may start to look like all pens are designed the same. Since they all do produce the same end result – giving you a way to write your thoughts down on paper – that may not seem like such a bad thing at first. However, if you have arthritis, carpal tunnel, Parkinson’s, or any other lived experience that makes writing by hand a little painful or hard to do, you’ve already realized that pens shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. That’s where an ergonomic pen comes in handy.
The best ergonomic pens have slightly different takes on the standard pen design and help make writing a significantly more comfortable experience.
How Does an Ergonomic Pen Work?
Standard pens require a firm grasp between your index finger and your thumb. This places stress on muscles and joints that, if you are already prone to carpal issues, cause you to experience discomfort and pain. The best ergonomic pens come with wide, specially-formed grips that alleviate stress and alter your usual pen-holding experience. Others are designed in the shape of a Y: This design makes it so that the natural weight of your hand provides the pressure needed to write, instead of your own grip strength.
No matter the design, another helpful feature is in ergonomic pens is extra weight. This provides the pressure needed to write and helps those who experience hand tremors write with more stability.
What Are the Best Ergonomic Pens?
Deciding which type of ergonomic pen is the best for you will depend on your personal needs. Those who deal with arthritis or carpal tunnel pain will prefer ergonomic pens that focus on alleviating stress and redistributing weight. However, if hand tremors are what keep you from writing comfortably, pens that are weighted down will be some of the best ergonomic pens for you.
