The Write Stuff
Get a grip with ergonomic pens.
By Heather Larson
The pinch-grip required to write with traditional pens calls for a great deal of pressure from small finger joints. A few features, such as a rubbery, non-slip grip and a bigger barrel, can help keep fatigue and hand soreness at bay, says Amy Schroeder, an occupational therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma, Wash. Make your mark with these unique shaped pens designed to take the pressure off fingers and help improve penmanship:
Pilot Pen’s Dr. Grip has a wide barrel and a cushy silicone grip, two features that earned it an Arthritis Foundation Ease-of-Use Commendation. $10, www.pilotpen.us
Ring Pen is worn around your index finger, so there’s no need to grip the barrel. With the center of gravity meeting the point of support, minimal pressure is required to write. $8, www.ringpen.com
Evo Pen’s a plump, kidney-shaped body lets you cup the pen in the palm of your hand – using the entire hand rather than isolated finger muscles. $4, www.evopen.com
Yoropen’s futuristic design and wide silicone grip requires less downward pressure and keeps fingers from slipping down the barrel. Starting at $3, www.yoropen.us
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