Ergonomic Mouse and Vertical Mouse
An ergonomic mouse or vertical mouse is designed to reduce the strain on the forearm muscles and the wrist joint.
Using a regular mouse places the forearm and wrist in a pronated position (palm down on the desk). This position stretches the forearm extensor muscles and places more strain on their attachment point on the outside of the elbow. If overused, this attachment point can become inflamed and injured. This is commonly referred to as "tennis elbow" or "lateral epicondylalgia". An ergonomic mouse or vertical mouse can be used to prevent and treat this problem because it places the forearm in a more neutral position (i.e. handshake position), which in turn reduces the stretch and subsequent strain on the attachment point at the elbow.
In addition, a traditional mouse can place increased pressure on the palmar aspect of the wrist joint where it rests on the desk. The research suggests that it is not clear whether this pressure can contribute to the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, what is very clear is that for those who already have carpal tunnel syndrome or are experiencing the early signs (such as pain in the wrist, pins and needles or numbness in the hand), a traditional mouse will make things worse. An ergonomic mouse or vertical mouse can help to alleviate and treat carpal tunnel symptoms by ensuring the wrist is kept in a neutral position, removing the wrist of compressing the carpal tunnel region by having the wrist palm down on the desk.
We have seen all sort of ergonomic mice during our time performing ergonomic assessments. Our recommended models are shown below. If you would like any assistance choosing the correct mouse to suit your requirements, please email us at info@theergonomicphysio.com.au. Alternatively, please feel free to make an appointment to come in and view our demo office to get a better feel for the products that we recommend.
Using a regular mouse places the forearm and wrist in a pronated position (palm down on the desk). This position stretches the forearm extensor muscles and places more strain on their attachment point on the outside of the elbow. If overused, this attachment point can become inflamed and injured. This is commonly referred to as "tennis elbow" or "lateral epicondylalgia". An ergonomic mouse or vertical mouse can be used to prevent and treat this problem because it places the forearm in a more neutral position (i.e. handshake position), which in turn reduces the stretch and subsequent strain on the attachment point at the elbow.
In addition, a traditional mouse can place increased pressure on the palmar aspect of the wrist joint where it rests on the desk. The research suggests that it is not clear whether this pressure can contribute to the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, what is very clear is that for those who already have carpal tunnel syndrome or are experiencing the early signs (such as pain in the wrist, pins and needles or numbness in the hand), a traditional mouse will make things worse. An ergonomic mouse or vertical mouse can help to alleviate and treat carpal tunnel symptoms by ensuring the wrist is kept in a neutral position, removing the wrist of compressing the carpal tunnel region by having the wrist palm down on the desk.
We have seen all sort of ergonomic mice during our time performing ergonomic assessments. Our recommended models are shown below. If you would like any assistance choosing the correct mouse to suit your requirements, please email us at info@theergonomicphysio.com.au. Alternatively, please feel free to make an appointment to come in and view our demo office to get a better feel for the products that we recommend.
