The Importance of the Computer Mouse Ergonomics: Protect Yourself from a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Have you heard of the ? Apparently, the number of people who develop this condition rose significantly as the digital world became such an important part of the everyday life of the most of us. It’s a condition that happens when the median nerve running from the forearm into the palm of the hand is squeezed or pressed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand and as such it houses a number of nerves and tendons among which is the median nerve as well. When irritated tendons thicken that medium nerve, it compresses, resulting in pain, weakness and numbness. The syndrome can be developed from various causes, but what is most likely to lead to it is the use of an ordinary computer mouse ergonomics experts claim.

What exactly is an ergonomic mouse?

We all know how an ordinary computer mouse looks: it’s small, simple and designed to fit your palm in a horizontal position. However, the computer mouse ergonomics experts say should be able to fit the vertical position of your hand (which is the hand’s natural state). With that being said, an ergonomic mouse is a type of mouse designed to reduce muscle strain and eliminate discomfort while using it. An ergonomic mouse has a design based on the natural hand position when using it.

So, what makes it so necessary?

The carpal tunnel syndrome is actually an injury, and as such it causes pain which stops you from functioning easy and properly on a daily basis. An ergonomic mouse can help you prevent develop that condition. As experts explain, the natural position of your forearm, wrist and hand is vertical, and when you use an ordinary mouse you force your hand to be in horizontal position. When positioned horizontally, your forearm and wrist are under immense pressure since they are twisting the arm in the position. Having that in mind, the market is now full of ergonomic computer mouses designed to allow users to use the mouse while their hand is being positioned vertically.

The benefits

Besides preventing the pressure on your nerves and allowing your hand to be in its natural position, a mouse with ergonomic features delivers other benefits as well:

• a natural grip which eases the tendon and muscle fatigue on the hand, elbow and arm;
• hand support with the right mouse size;
• it doesn’t require that much energy and effort for mousing.

With all that being said, I believe everyone should have an ergonomic mouse on their work desk, along with other ergonomic elements like a keyboard and and a mouse pad. Why risk an injury from doing the job you so love? Bring your comfort on a whole different level and secure your palms and hands.