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Tips on typing with a broken leg - Ima Klutz

Posted: Feb 15, 2010

Does anybody have any experience typing with a broken leg? I broke my left leg (thank goodness, not my foot pedal leg!) this weekend. I don't have the luxury of taking time off, but I'm finding it exhausting keeping this leg elevated and sitting upright like we were taught to do. I'm in a full-leg cast, and it puts a heck of a strain on my gluteus maximus muscles. I have a feeling I'll just have to keep trying new positions till I find one that works, but I was hoping someone has some ideas (or just sympathy?).

Lots of sympathy - Happy MT Robin

[ In Reply To ..]
I can't even imagine trying to do this with a full leg cast on.

Do you have a recliner or reclining chair that you can rig up with the foot pedal on the stool?

There was a poster on here a while ago who posted a picture of her recliner with the foot pedal rigged to the foot portion of it. It was pretty cool, actually. Something like that might work, if it's at all feasible for you.

Whatever you end up doing, good luck.

That is how I type. - Reclining.

[ In Reply To ..]
It is so comfortable!

I'm so sorry, OP, about your broken leg!

Here's how I type (sm) - Nocturnal Hooter-Girl

[ In Reply To ..]
I type either in bed or an easy chair with an ottoman, using my laptop resting on one of those cooling thingies, and with my foot pedal under my outstretched leg/foot. I have lower back issues with sitting in a desk chair for more than 15-20 minutes at a time, and this allows me to type for longer stretches than I could in a traditional setting. Long live the laptop!

How I wish I could use a laptop! - Ima Klutz

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm an IC but use the PCs that they client gives us. I'm really tempted to try the recliner, but I can't figure out how I would place the monitor. I'll have to brainstorm this with my husband. It looks like it's going to be a very long 8-10 weeks! (Would you believe my first granddaughter is due in four weeks!? - and me laid up! Bummer!)

recliner/foot pedal arrangements - Nocturnal Hooter-Girl

[ In Reply To ..]
Try putting a table just slightly to the side of the recliner, but within your field of vision from where your head will be when you're sitting in the recliner. I have typed in a recliner quite a bit also, and the hardest part is getting the foot pedal to stay on the foot rest without sliding off. Perhaps you could rig a little shelf to sit at the end of the foot rest, so that if the pedal slides off, it only slides back instead of all the way to the floor? Then you could just reel it back in by the cord... I tried putting Velcro tape on the bottom of the pedal, and that helped somewhat, but it was still a little bit awkward. The recliner is by far the most comfortable position for my back though, and I would guess it would be for your bum leg too. Best wishes for a speedy and uneventful recovery! And congratulations on the grandchild!

back/leg problems - MCK

[ In Reply To ..]
I hear you - I have loads of back and neck problems and used get swollen ankles and feet when I sat at a desk so now I sit in an easy chair with my keyboard in my lap, and I alternate feet on the foot pedal. I have my monitor on a double stand on an end table so it's just the right height...yes, thank goodness for laptops :)

Type with the other leg.... - (just kidding! get well soon!) ;D

[ In Reply To ..]
Sorry about the joke - just couldn't help myself.

When I broke my ankle, I had the same problem. Like you stated, I had to just keep trying different positions. Even if you can't get it all the way up to level, however high you can get it is better than nothing. Take more frequent breaks, too, and maybe try softer chair padding? (Pillow, folded up comforter, or one of those gel pads like you see for cars, office chairs, etc.)

As for being a klutz, you can't possibly be as klutzy as the guy I once typed a report on. He broke his leg by slamming the refrigerator door on it. (But why was he putting his leg or foot in the refrigerator? That secret was never divulged....)

Do it this way ... - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Use your elbow. LOL SERIOUSLY!

Put your foot pedal on the arm rest under your left elbow. Wrap it with a towel or put a small pillow on it. You want it propped up high enough so you just need to exert a little pressure.

You can just press down with your elbow to play.

I shattered my left leg and had to wear - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
an external fixator for a LONGGGGG time. With all the hardware/pins, I couldn't put my leg under the desk and elevate it too. You might try putting your keyboard in your lap and sitting further back from your desk, and elevating the left leg on a box with pillow or a portable file box or such. You may also be able to turn a little sideways from your desk front. If you did invest in a laptop, you could probably claim it for job and/or medically necessary expense. I feel for you.

I found a solution! - Ima Klutz

[ In Reply To ..]
I did have my husband drag in the recliner, and it fits perfectly under my desk. I have the keyboard on a pillow on my lap, my leg's up, I work the foot pedal with my right heel (tried the elbow, but I move my arms too much when I'm typing). I had to change the settings on my computer to make everything bigger so I can still see my work. Now I feel actually luxurious (sp?)! No pain! I've been typing for about three hours and feel just fine! Thanks to all of you for your sympathy and tips. I think I'll actually be able to make this work!

leg - MCK

[ In Reply To ..]
that's wonderful...I'm so glad you found a solution!!!

Both my legs were out of commission at one point. I was able to - use my elbow for the pedal with little trouble. n

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

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