Avoid The Mouse Trap

The mouse has made using a desktop computer very comfortable and convenient.  However, there are many drawbacks to the mouse. 

The mouse requires the small muscles in the user’s hand, fingers, and thumb to repeat the same movements throughout the day.  Therefore, for office workers this means that these same movements are done everyday by them.

When a mouse is used repeatedly it can cause pain in the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. A possible result of repetitive mouse use can be painful nodules and ganglion cysts in the joints and tendons. Prolonged use of the mouse can cause numbness and tingling in the thumb and index finger, and may develop into Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The problem can worsen if the mouse is in a position where it is hard-to-reach, and the user must reach out with the arm in an extended, unsupported position.  When you have to continually reach with the arm and hold it in this position it can cause soreness and fatigue. As a result, the muscles in the upper back, shoulder, and neck can also be affected.

People who use the mouse on a continual basis also have awkward positions and poor posture which can affect the lower back.

Tips to Help Prevent Mouse Pain

“If the computer mouse causes you any discomfort, try some of these tips and see how your body responds. Solutions will not be the same for everyone but if you are experiencing pain, it's a good idea to investigate alternatives.”

Go easy on the wrist. Keep the wrist at a neutral position and let your arm do the work by pivoting at the elbow.

Limit your mouse time.  Avoid using the mouse for long periods of time. Don't wait for the pain to set in. Take frequent breaks from using the mouse even if you feel fine.

Aim for an optimal mouse position. “Try what works best for you. When sitting relaxed in your chair, lift your mousing hand up, pivot at the elbow until your hand is at or just above elbow level. Your mouse should be positioned somewhere around this point. If this place is over the numeric keypad of your keyboard, try a flat mouse platform (your mouse should be 2.5 to 5 cm or 1 to 2 inches higher than keyboard level and over the numeric keypad on your keyboard if possible). If your mouse platform slopes downward, position it close to the keyboard and keep your wrist in a neutral position. Another option is to position the mouse between yourself and the keyboard, or use a built-in touch pad.”

Go easy on the mouse. Hold the mouse loosely, do not have a tight grip on the mouse, aim for a relaxed grip.

Keep it clean. If the mouse rollers are dust-free it will move more smoothly, allowing your to move the mouse more easily.

Learn keyboard shortcuts. Any opportunity to type a function on the keyboard rather than click it with the mouse gives those tiny muscles a break and helps maintain circulation to the hand.

Shield your wrist. Wrists are delicate. They have exposed blood vessels near the skin. The intended purpose of the hand and forearm is to absorb any shock in order to protect the wrist.  If you rest your arm flat on a surface, you'll see a curve that prevents the wrist from direct pressure against the surface. Any direct pressure on the wrist disrupts circulation to the hand and increases the risk of injury.

Don't use a wrist rest. For the reasons stated above, any direct pressure against the wrist is risky.

Let arms move freely. Don't lock the forearms into position by resting them on a soft wrist rest or cushy chair arm. This only encourages the wrist to do all the work.

Go big and flat. Choose a mouse that is flat, not curved, to maintain the natural curve in your forearm that protects your wrist. A larger mouse encourages you to use your arm rather than wrist.

Switch hands. Switch between your right and land hand to prevent overworking one hand with too much mouse movement.  This simply requires a place for the mouse that works on both sides of the keyboard, and a symmetrical mouse you can use with both your left and right hand.

The best way to avoid having any injury from the mouse is to try to avoid the mouse completely. If avoiding the mouse is difficult then use it in moderation and try some of the above tips.

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Posted by: suhujitha on 2009-04-09 16:26:35

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