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Hi All
Has anyone experienced forearm pain with keying arm ?and any fixes ?is the arm to high ,example high table short chair,or other ideas.
Thanks

There are two ways to use a straight key, american (elbow on table) and continental (keying with fist as hinge (excect for a string of dots)

Anyway don't exercise for a long time, because pain in the wrist, may be paralizing, known as glass wrist; medical: carpal tunnel syndrome.

Use a bug paddle(s) with rolling movement. Look at you tube for examples of experienced hams.

I'm a beginner and noted same. Found that putting straight key at edge of desk and using unsupported arm helped. I would like to try a tall workbench and operate standing with unsupported arm and see if that is good.

If using a paddle, can you adjust it? I've got mine set pretty tight to where the only movement comes from my index and thumb. There's another paddle that uses touch sensors and no mechanical movement but I forget the name of it. I have no experience with a straight key but I'm sure most can be adjusted. An old US Army video on youtube shows the proper adjustment and sequence. Something like .030 gap and adjusting the spring tension to your liking. It also goes over the proper (Army) way of resting your arm on the table and how your hand should operate the key. The earlier post about carpel tunnel is not to be taken lightly so if you're doing everything right and are still experiencing issues, STOP. Find a paddle that allows you to operate comfortably, pain-free and FUN.

Hi
Thanks for all input in in my question I was not
Clear in that my question was for using a paddle !

Ok, for the paddle there should be adjustments for each side. As mentioned before, mine is set very tight so the only movement comes from my index and thumb.
The 'Touch' paddle I couldn't remember is a 9A5N Solid State paddle. There is no mechanical movement.
Another thing I forgot to mention is if the pain feels like nerve pain you could try putting a towel or even a mouse pad under your elbow. Hope that helps.

In the continental way of using a key you don't have a table under your elbow.

The bug (paddle(s)) and sideswiper (also known as double speed key and cootie key) are due to different movement over long time spans, not known for inducing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Are they known for inducing pain over extended periods because that's what OP was talking about. Everyone mans their station differently so everyone will experience different aches and pains. I know when I leave my elbow on the door panel too long when I'm driving it causes nerve pain in my fingers. This is why I asked if it felt like nerve-related pain.

https://cwops.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-Secrets-of-Easy-Morse-Code-Sending.pdf