What The Tech : Computer Mice

CHARLOTTE, N.C.- If you spend hours a day working at a computer, your hand likely rests on a mouse for a significant portion of that time. But have you ever considered that your trusty mouse could be the source of discomfort or even pain?

Many doctors have identified conditions like “mouse shoulder,” “mouse arm,” and “mouse hand”—pain in these joints directly attributable to
prolonged mouse use in an incorrect position.

The folks at Logitech recommend an ergonomic setup where your knees and elbows are at a 90-degree angle, and the top of your monitor is at eye level. However, achieving this ideal setup isn’t always feasible due to limitations of how you can adjust a desk, chair, and monitor.

Even some adjustable desks can not go low enough to reach the idea 90-degree angle.

So, what can you do to alleviate or prevent such discomfort? The answer might lie in your choice of mouse. After conducting my own tests, I found that the type of mouse you use can make a substantial difference in your comfort level.

While the differences between mice may seem subtle, their impact on your wrist, arm, and shoulder can be quite noticeable.

● Flat mice: These, like Apple’s Magic Mouse, keep the hand in a natural position if your desk is higher, and your elbow rests on the desk your wrist will like flat.

● Traditional mice: These cause the wrist to turn slightly, leading to subtle rotations in the shoulder and elbow, potentially straining those muscles.

● Taller ergonomic mice: These angle the wrist upward, placing the thumb in a more natural position than flat mice but forces the hand to rise in an almost “wave” position.

● Upright mice: These innovative mice position your hand in a handshake-like grip, aligning the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. This design seems to alleviate stress on the shoulder and elbow by eliminating the need for rotation.