Build an ergonomic home office

Cumulative trauma disorders such as carpal-tunnel syndrome may not make headlines, but they're still a threat if you use your keyboard heavily. Type with your elbows at your sides, shoulders relaxed, and wrists straight. The keyboard should be directly in front of you and at a height that keeps your forearms parallel to the floor. Some experts now recommend arm angles greater than 90 degrees for added comfort.

If you're still experiencing pain, consider an ergonomic keyboard such as the Kinesis Maxim, which you can adjust to split and rise in the middle, keeping your wrists in a more natural, less stressful position. The SafeType takes this one step further, with split halves that stand vertically. It may look strange, but it promises to eliminate all forms of keyboard-related stress.

Heavy mousing can also cause wrist strain. Keep the mouse at the same height as your keyboard and within easy reach; you shouldn't have to stretch more than a few inches for it. If you're still in pain, look for an ergonomically friendly rodent that requires more thumb than index-finger use or consider a trackball model, which you won't have to move around. Another alternative is a vertically oriented mouse such as the 3M Ergonomic Mouse. Lefties may want to consider the Evoluent VerticalMouse 2, which comes in a left-handed version. The company says the handshake-like grip is preferable to the traditional "twisted-arm" grip.

Most desks stand uncomfortably high for keyboard use, which is why most have keyboard trays. If yours doesn't, consider attaching one. Otherwise, you'll need to raise your chair height and get a footrest if your legs dangle. Remember to readjust your monitor height, as well.