Writer’s block is not a valid excuse for not writing. You can break through it by using one of the many kick-ass resources available on how to find ideas, re-slant articles, improve your brainstorming skills and more.

But what if you literally can’t write? What if your wrists give you too much pain when you touch a keyboard, or try to hold a pen?

Life-threatening or permanently damaging health conditions aside, a hand or arm injury is one of the worst things that can happen to a writer. And thanks to our constant love affair with our computers, hand injuries are becoming more common among writers.

In May 2013, I was diagnosed with nerve entrapment in my wrists. The pain was driving me crazy. At one point, it hurt even when I wasn’t doing anything.

The pain had been going on for 3 weeks when I got my diagnosis. It wasn’t the first time I’d had this problem. The condition can last anywhere between a couple of days and several months, depending on how serious it is and what you do to get better.

As someone who takes her health seriously —or, more accurately, as someone who would go nuts unless she could start writing soon— I followed my doctor’s instructions, which included using an ointment regularly, taking vitamin B, resting my hands as much as possible and wearing splints, especially while typing.

And while it’s extremely frustrating, it’s not the end of the world. 

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