How a Tablet Holder Ended Years of Pain from Reading

Easing the Strain: How a Tablet Stand Became My Reading Companion

As someone who has always been an avid reader, I never anticipated that my love for books would contribute to the development of cysts in both of my wrists. While I can attribute the cyst in my right hand to poor ergonomics during my gaming days, the one in my left hand is a result of the repetitive motions involved in caring for my child. Nicknamed “mommy’s wrist,” De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common condition among parents, and I can thank my little one for this particular ailment (though I wouldn’t trade him for the world).

As the discomfort in my wrists grew, I found myself struggling to enjoy the activities I once loved. Reading, in particular, became a challenge. The weight of a book or even my lightweight Kindle Paperwhite began to take its toll. It seemed that the only safe option was to watch TV, but as someone who enjoys knitting or building Legos while watching, even that proved problematic.

Rediscovering the Joy of Reading

Parenthood reignited my passion for reading, as I found solace in the pages of mystery thrillers during those early months of sleepless nights and countless nap-traps. My husband, recognizing my renewed love for books, gifted me a Kindle to store my ever-growing collection of e-books and articles saved from Reddit. This thoughtful gesture led me to discover the Lamicall Tablet Stand, a device that would soon become my reading companion.

The Lamicall Tablet Stand appealed to me for its versatility and affordability. With both a clamp and a base, it can securely hold various devices, including e-readers, smartphones, and even a Nintendo Switch. While it may not be the perfect fit for a Steam Deck, I still found it helpful in propping up the device and alleviating some of the pressure on my hands and wrists.

Not Quite Hands-Free, But Close Enough

Although the Lamicall Tablet Stand is easy to jostle and not entirely hands-free, it has significantly reduced the strain on my wrists while reading. My curious cat, who enjoys headbutting my Kindle, can cause the arm to shake and quiver with each bump, as can my own hand when tapping to turn the page. While page turners are a popular accessory for Kindle users, I opted not to use one due to the location of my cysts.

Instead, I rest my hand flat on the Kindle, bearing no weight thanks to the Lamicall, and gently tap my index finger to turn the page. This position doesn’t aggravate either of my cysts, as the Lamicall is doing the heavy lifting. Even without the cysts, my cat’s insistence on headbutting the Kindle would still be an issue, but the tablet stand has made it much more manageable.

Investing in Your Well-Being

At first, I felt a bit silly setting up an external arm to hold my Kindle, reminiscent of the characters in Wall-E. However, when dealing with chronic pain, every small step towards reducing discomfort is valuable. Investing in a device that helps take care of your body is far from foolish; it’s an act of self-care.

The Lamicall Tablet Stand has greatly improved my reading experience and alleviated the pain caused by my wrist cysts. It may not be a complete hands-free solution, but it has allowed me to rediscover the joy of reading without exacerbating my condition. In the end, prioritizing your well-being is always a wise choice.