PC hardware forum: your mouse and your health

You need to think that this is no different than wielding a pen or other tool. If the tool is bothersome you change the tool or seek a talk with the doc.

This forum has no medical bent so try webmd.com.

Bob

I switched to using a trackball with my left arm and have been aggressively exercising and stretching my right arm and it slowly (six months) got better.

Ergonomic problems with computer mice and keyboards are real and can be very painful. I'm no doc, but I know my experience. Like another poster said, have you noticed all the warnings on keyboards and mice? I prefer a "natural" keyboard too. It is hard to get used to at first but the curved keyboard really is easier on your wrists. I am an accountant so I use a PC several hours a day. I definitely recommend learning about and applying proper ergonomics if you are going to be using a keyboard or mouse. It will save you a lot of discomfort and maybe even surgery.

My wrist used to hurt from using my Mouse. I became worried I was suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. But I found a solution:

#1 Go to Mouse Properties, Pointer Options, and set Pointer Speed as fast as possible. This will minimize the distance your wrist has to move to navigate the screen.

#2 Try a Wireless Mouse. This may surprise you; the drag of the wire can cause you pain.

#3 Try a smaller or larger Mouse. You'll have to try Mice in person, as the size of the Mouse is rarely specified in print. If you have a large hand (as I do), a small Mouse can be excruciating as the hours wear on.

I switched from a conventional mouse to one of the first trackball 'mice' which came out. I do hour after hour of graphics work and would never go back to a conventional mouse from my "trackball marble" mouse.

I don't know if all trackball mice require the frequent maintainance of my ancient Logitec TrackMan Marble's trackball/case interface, but mine requires cleaning the ball and it's internal supports about once a week.

It only takes about 5 minutes tops, using a Q-tip (tm) dipped in a drop or two of Windex (tm) spray cleaner to remove the accumulated grunge from the tiny trackball supports, followed by a brief wipe of the ball itself while I have it removed.

About once a month, I use just a drop of lens cleaner on the little window below the trackball.

A standard mouse that you move all across the table will definitely result in carpal tunnel and tennis elbow over time. This is pretty much a certainty for people who use a computer for hours at a time and do not do any stretching, relaxation, or stregnth training exercises. And given the "fat people" statistics here in the States, I am betting that is most of us.

First fix is stop using a standard mouse. Get a track ball. That alone will make all the difference in the world. I understand that track balls have a three day to a week learning curve. And if you manage to get through that time without leaving a mouse shaped hole in your drywall, you are really good! But you will get used to it and then you will wonder how on earth you managed to use one of those uncomfortable things for so many years.

Second part of the fix is to massage the flexors of the forearm, especially the Pronator Teres, Flexor Carpi Radialis, and the Palmaris Longus. This webpage will illustrate the location... http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/class/bio201/muscle/arm/frma.htm

Best way to massage these muscles is to place the sore forearm across the desk in front of you and take your good arm, bend at the elbow, press the elbow directly into the sore spots, and hold for a few seconds until the pain subsides. Then move your elbow slightly and do it again. And again and again and again until you have thoroughly massaged your forearm and it feels better. Usually this will take about 10 to 20 minutes the first time. After that, you just need maintenance... i.e., five minutes at a time every day or three.

Good rule of thumb regarding massage... hurts so good is acceptable. PAIN is not. You KNOW what feels wrong.

About three years ago I began having pain in my right arm. I went to the Doc and went through some tests. He said it was early carpal tunnel Syndrome. I researched mouse alternatives and ended up buying a 3M Optical Ergonomic Mouse. It looks like a stationary joystick mounted on a base that slides, with a toggle on the top. You move it with your whole arm rather than just your wrist (big muscles vs. small) and use your thumb to click the toggle. It took a couple of weeks to get as adept as I was with the mouse. Now I don't like using a mouse when I'm on another computer.

PS-Per the Doc's instructions I put my wrist in a splint for a month (longer at night - I was sleeping weird)and my arm got better. Good Luck.

If you are moving your arm and elbow to navigate the screen, your Mouse is not set up right.

#1 Go to Control Panel, Mouse, Mouse Properties, Pointer Options, and set Pointer Speed as fast as possible. This will minimize the distance your wrist has to move to navigate the screen.

I forgot to mention: If you're not using an Optical Mouse, RUN - DO NOT WALK, to your local store.

Ball Mice are frustrating, inaccurate, prone to clog, and completely outdated. There is no single improvement you will appreciate more than dumping your old Ball Mouse for an Optical Mouse.

There are a few issues to address.

The wrist needs to be in what is referred to as a neutral position to avoid medical problems. With most mice it needs some sort of support. there are all types of gel supports that lift your wrist into a comfortable position.

For a picture of a wrist in neutral position and the medical explanation

Go to http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec04/ch042/ch042f.html

Next is the type of mouse. Many different ones have been described here with many more on the market.That says that ther is no on "right" mouse for all. The optical mouse requires less wrist movement. A wireless allows for different angles and directions as you totally change the mouse location. Keep in mind these do require either recharging or battery changes.

An issue that I do not see elsewhere addressed, size.
Yes size does matter with a mouse. A six foot tall man and a five foot tall woman cannot comfortably use the same size mouse. Once you understand neutral wrist position, go to a store and put your hand on every mouse on display. Check to see if your hand is in a position where your wrist can be comfortable, or is it tilted back so that the top of knuckles are aiming at your shoulder. That over time, will produce problems.

Next you need to know what you need the mouse to do. If you are doing a lot of scrolling on a page, than a track ball or a scroll might be an essential.

If you are surfing the web and changing from one page link to another, make sure your index finger is extremely comfortable and rests on the easiest part of mouse to press effectively, and as mentioned you can adjust the mouse speed properties including whether it takes one or two clicks and its speed.

If you are using the mouse for extended periods of time, a neutral wrist splint can help. they come in everything from what is really a shaped elastic bandage to ones with splints leather and plastic . Health care providers even have ones that are totally plastic and molded to your hand. I am not recommending this , just letting you know there is variety.

Mouse maintenance. A clean mouse is easier to control. May require less pressure or hand movement as you are not having to push the dust or debris. Now as we all know, recommendations are never to eat or drink at the computer, but almost all of us do. so crumbs can get into tiny crevices and over time even dust can build up.

Seems like everything with a computer requires making lots of choices. And there is rarely only one right simple answer.

And this is not a health forum, but maintaining your best health makes all problems less likely. An added benefit here is if you drink the amount of water that your health care provider recommends for you (yes not everyone needs the same) it will guarantee that you will get up and give your wrist a break.

good luck
Paula

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