Why Are There So Many Computer-Related Injuries with Computer Mice?
| It is common for computer users to have symptoms
when using a computer mouse. An ordinary computer mouse just is not
the best-fit solution for most people, here is why: |
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Shape: The shape of an ordinary or generic computer mouse that does
not correctly fit your hand. This requires you to grip and hold, which over an
extended period will cause tendon and muscle fatigue in the hand, wrist and even
the elbow and arm.
Overall size: The size of the computer mouse does not properly fit the
size of your hand. This means there is not enough support for the hand. Having
optimal support and comfort is required to minimize fatigue with computer mouse
operations. Individuals with smaller hands should use smaller mice. On the
contrary, individuals with larger hands should use larger mice.
Right and left hand compatibility: The computer mouse is not
compatible with your dominant hand. The computer mouse should be compatible with
the dominant hand of the computer user; left-handed computer mouse users should
use an ergonomic computer mouse designed for the left hand.
| Wrist position: An ordinary, generic horizontal computer
mouse requires your forearm to twist away from its natural position;
this causes more strain on your carpal tunnel, wrist tendons and
ligaments. |
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Motion: The side-to-side swaying and/or back and forth motion of a
generic, ordinary computer mouse used to propel the cursor around the screen has
been linked to several injuries, including tendonitis and friction burns from
contact with the desk surface or mouse pad. (Make sure you use a gel-padded
mouse pad wrist rest.) |
So, How Do You Choose an Ergonomic Computer Mouse That Best Meets Your Needs?
Measure your hand: The typical dimensions for a computer mouse are:
Length- 4.6 inches to 5.75 inches. Width- 2.5 inches to 3.75 inches. Height-
typical mouse dimensions are 1.0 to 2.0 inches. Make sure your hand measurements
match those of the dimensions of the computer mouse. This will provide optimal
support and comfort with minimal fatigue with mouse operations.
Ensure the proper size and fit of your computer mouse: If you have a
large hand, for optimal fitting, you must use a large sized computer mouse. If
you have a small hand, for optimal fitting you must use a small computer mouse.
Ensure the computer mouse contour and shape should fit your hand: Typical shapes
are the straight mouse or the kidney-shaped mouse. The contour of the mouse
refers to how the mouse arches and conforms to the shape of the hand thus
providing optimal postural support.
Make sure your computer mouse is compatible with your dominant handedness:
If you are left-handed - you must use a left-handed computer mouse.
| Reduce excessive side to side and/or back and forth motions:
Contour Roller Mouse was designed to reduce awkward computer
mouse reach postures and ease computer-related pain of the shoulder,
neck, elbow, wrist and hand because it eliminates the side to side
swaying and the back and forth motions required with traditional
computer mouse use. |
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Button size, location and activation force: The button size should fit
the dimensions of the fingers. The location of the buttons, usually top surface
or lateral surface should be evaluated on an individual basis and determined by
user preference. The button activation force should be minimized in order to
reduce finger fatigue. Button activation forces should be approximately between
0.5 and 2.0 Newtons.
Take action to improve your mouse: If you suffer from pain, have
carpal tunnel syndrome or other computer-related cumulative trauma disorder, it
is highly recommended that you change your computer mouse to eliminate excessive
stress and pressure on your working tendons. |
